Meta will begin training its AI models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the coming months. This initiative aims to ensure that Meta's generative AI models reflect British culture, history, and idiom, thereby enabling UK companies and institutions to utilize the latest technology. Meta plans to expand this effort to more countries and languages later this year.

After pausing the training of its generative AI models in the UK to address regulatory feedback, Meta has engaged with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and appreciates the constructive approach taken during these discussions. "This clarity and certainty will help us bring AI at Meta products to the UK much sooner," a spokesperson said. The ICO's guidance supports Meta's implementation of 'Legitimate Interests' as a valid legal basis for using certain first-party data to train generative AI models.

Meta emphasized additional transparency measures in its approach. The company clarified that it does not use private messages or information from accounts of people under 18 in the UK for AI training. Instead, it will use public posts, comments, photos, and captions from adult users' accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

Starting next week, adults based in the UK who use Facebook and Instagram will receive in-app notifications explaining the process. These notifications will include information on how users can access an objection form if they do not want their data used for training generative AI models. Meta stated that it would honor all previously submitted objection forms as well as any new ones received.

"We’ve incorporated feedback from the ICO to make our objection form even simpler, more prominent, and easier to find," Meta added. The company reaffirmed its commitment to honoring all objection forms already received.