Austrian privacy advocacy group NOYB, led by well-known activist Max Schrems, has announced its plans to pursue a legal injunction against Meta Platforms. The group is challenging Meta's use of personal data from European users on Facebook and Instagram for training its AI systems. This move represents an increasing scrutiny on how tech giants handle data amid growing concerns about user privacy rights.
The legal action targets Meta's practices, with NOYB setting a deadline of May 21 for Meta to respond to their cease and desist letter. According to a report by Reuters, Meta could face significant financial liabilities if it continues without adjusting its policies. The advocacy group suggests class action lawsuits could emerge, potentially involving up to 400 million users, each entitled to claim damages up to €500, accumulating to billions of euros in total damages.
As the regulatory landscape tightens in Europe, NOYB requests that Meta allow users to opt-in explicitly and ensures data anonymization in compliance with EU standards. Meta, on the other hand, maintains that its approach is aligned with the EU's 'legitimate interest' clause in privacy law. This clash highlights the growing friction between privacy regulations and technology company operations concerning AI development.