Meta Removes AI Training Language from Terms of Service
Meta has updated its commercial terms to remove language that suggested it could scrape content from websites, including news sites, to train its AI. The change follows public backlash and concerns over data usage.
Meta has revised its commercial terms of service to eliminate language that previously indicated the company could use content from various online sources for artificial intelligence training. This modification comes after significant criticism regarding the potential for scraping copyrighted material, particularly from news organizations.
The removed clause stated that Meta "may use any content from such domains, web pages, or URLs to provide, develop, improve, research, train, and maintain the integrity of, the Meta Company Products, services, and features provided under these Commercial Terms and any other applicable supplemental terms." This broad wording raised concerns among legal experts and media companies.
Academics, including Cornell University professor James Grimmelmann, had interpreted the previous language as potentially allowing Meta to acquire content from news sites without explicit permission for AI development. The backlash highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding data rights and AI training practices.
The company's decision to amend its terms signifies a response to these concerns, aiming to clarify its data usage policies and mitigate potential disputes over intellectual property and fair use in the development of AI technologies.