Meta complies with Brazil’s data protection demands

The decision comes after ANPD suspended Meta’s new privacy policy over data usage concerns in July.
Millions of Vietnamese users rely on Meta’s platforms as the company plans significant investments in AI and manufacturing.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced on Tuesday that it will inform Brazilian users about how their data is utilised to train generative AI. Meta’s step has been caused by the pressure from Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), which had previously suspended Meta’s new privacy policy due to concerns over using personal data for AI training.

Starting this week, Meta users in Brazil will receive email and social media notifications, providing details on how their data might be used for AI development. Users will also have the option to opt out of this data usage. The ANPD had initially halted Meta’s privacy policy in July, but it lifted the suspension last Friday after Meta agreed to make these disclosures.

In response to the ANPD’s concerns, Meta had also temporarily suspended using generative AI tools in Brazil, including popular AI-generated stickers on WhatsApp, a platform with a significant user base. This suspension was enacted while Meta engaged in discussions with the ANPD to address the agency’s concerns.

Despite the ANPD lifting the suspension, Meta has yet to confirm whether it will immediately reinstate the AI tools in Brazil. When asked, the company reiterated that the suspension was initially a measure taken during ongoing talks with the data protection authority.

The development marks an important step in Brazil’s efforts to ensure transparency and user control over personal data in the age of AI.