Meta has announced it will use EU personal data from Instagram and Facebook users to train its new AI systems from 27 May onwards. Instead of asking consumers for opt-in consent, Meta relies on an alleged ‘legitimate interest’ to just suck up all user data. The new EU Collective Redress Directive allows Qualified Entities such as noyb to issue EU-wide injunctions. As a first step, noyb has now sent a formal settlement proposal in the form of a so-called Cease and Desist letter to Meta. Other consumer groups also take action. If injunctions are filed and won, Meta may also be liable for damages to consumers, which could be brought in a separate EU class action. Damages could reach billions. In summary, Meta may face massive legal risks – just because it relies on an “opt-out” instead of an “opt-in” system for AI training.
noyb has really done amazing work the last many years. They specialize especially in GDPR law and Schrems II (Max Schrems is the founder).
EDRi is another organisation doing a lot of good work in digital rights. They fight against chat control and such which is an area noyb is not so active.
These are the best EU based organisations to support imo. EFF does good work too, but a lot of that outside EU.
Thank you, those two sound amazing, I’ll see if I can properly donate to both!