Why is Meta facing a legal threat over its AI data policy in Europe? Reason explained

Meta, the tech giant, plans to utilize public data from European users from platforms like Facebook and Instagram to train AI models. Initially announced in June 2024, the initiative was postponed due to regulatory concerns. However, on April 14, 2025, Meta confirmed it would proceed with the plan, as per AP News.

However, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, NOYB, or none of your business, a non-profit organization, said that it will be seeking an injunction against Meta platforms, as per Reuters.

The organization, led by lawyer and privacy activist Max Schrems, also said that it has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Meta, which plans to use the personal data of Europeans from May 27, 2025.

For context, NOYB is an organization that works to reinforce data protection laws across Europe.

More about the legal threat Meta is facing

Meta has shown interest in using European users' Facebook and Instagram data to train its AI models and AI tools, which will then be shared with third parties. NYOB is against this use of users' personal data.

In April, Meta said that users would receive a link to a form through which they can object to the use of their personal data for training AI models. They also said that private messages and personal data of users below the age of 18 would not be used.

Activist Max Schrems has criticized this move by Meta, saying:

"The European Court of Justice has already held that Meta cannot claim a 'legitimate interest' in targeting users with advertising. How should it have a 'legitimate interest' to suck up all data for AI training?''

He continued:

''We are currently evaluating our options to file injunctions, but there is also the option for a subsequent class action for non-material damages. If you think about the more than 400 million European Meta users who could all demand damages of just 500 euros or so, you can do the math.''

NOYB has given Meta until May 21, 2025, to respond. Moreover, NOYB says that the opt-out approach given to users is insufficient, and it should instead offer an opt-in system. The opt-in system will ensure that the user's data is used with their knowledge and consent.

Meta has, however, rejected NOYB's arguments, saying that their approach is in alignment with the European Data Protection Board. This is what a Meta spokesperson said:

''NOYB's arguments are wrong on the facts and the law. We've provided EU users with a clear way to object to their data being used for training AI at Meta, notifying them via email and in-app notifications that they can object at any time.''

This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between tech giants and the European Union authorities.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback