Welcome to our blog ! Here you will find news and updates about sports, politics, artists, and everything that is trending right now. Enjoy the content and stay up to date with the latest trends! Stay Informed with BoomViral News.
Advocacy Group Moves to Block Meta’s AI Training Over Alleged Data Misuse Uses "block" for urgency and introduces the concept of "misuse" to imply controversy.
Suraay
5/14/20252 min read
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – PRIVACY vs. AI: Austrian Group NOYB Triggers Billion-Euro Legal Battle Against Meta Over Use of European Data
BRUSSELS – In a showdown that could cost Meta billions of euros, Austrian privacy organization NOYB, led by activist Max Schrems, announced a explosive legal action on Wednesday to block the tech giant from using Europeans’ personal data to train its AI tools. Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, plans to begin mass data collection starting May 27—but NOYB vows to turn the case into a legal earthquake.
META’S PLAN: “LEGITIMATE INTEREST” OR ABUSE?
The company claims “legitimate interest” under EU privacy rules to use users’ posts, photos, and histories to develop generative AI models, including systems that could be shared with third parties. Meta stated it will notify users via email and in-app alerts, allowing them to object to their data being used. Data from users under 18 and private messages would reportedly be excluded.
BUT SCHREMS ISN’T BUYING IT: “META WANTS TO SUCK UP EVERYTHING FOR AI”
Max Schrems, the “tech giant slayer” behind NOYB, fired back: “The European Court already ruled Meta has no ‘legitimate interest’ in using data for ads. How could it now claim one for hoovering up everything for AI?” He warned: “If each of Meta’s 400 million European users sued for non-material damages—say, €500—we’re talking €200 billion. Do the math.”
TICKING CLOCK: META HAS UNTIL MAY 21 TO BACK DOWN
NOYB sent an immediate cease-and-desist letter to Meta and threatened to file an injunction under the EU’s Collective Redress mechanism, which enables mass lawsuits. Meta’s response? “NOYB is wrong on the facts and the law,” a spokesperson countered, citing compliance with EU guidelines.
“OPT-IN” SOLUTION: THE IGNORED FIX?
Schrems slammed Meta’s “opt-out” approach and demanded the company adopt “opt-in” consent (explicit user approval) and anonymized data. “This isn’t compliance—it’s a shortcut to violating rights,” he argued.
THE STAGE IS SET: A WAR THAT COULD DEFINE AI’S FUTURE IN EUROPE
As Meta insists it’s following the rules, NOYB prepares its legal arsenal. The outcome could not only impact AI development in the bloc but also set precedents for colossal fines. Mark your calendars: May 21 is D-Day.
— Edited by Susan Fenton and Barbara Lewis
🔍 Did you know? In 2023, NOYB already pressured EU regulators against Meta. Now, the stakes are higher: human privacy vs. corporate profits in the AI era. Whose side are you on?
Read our Terms and Privacy Policy
Why this case matters:
- Financial risk: Fines could reach hundreds of billions.
- Global precedent: The ruling will shape how Big Tech uses data for AI.
- User control: Opt-in vs. opt-out—who owns YOUR data?