Nonprofit Organization Files Charges Against Meta for Privacy Policy Modification
A nonprofit organization based in Vienna has taken legal action against Meta, the multinational technology giant, in eleven European countries. The organization, dedicated to protecting individuals’ privacy, argues that Meta’s proposed privacy policy modification would allow artificial intelligence systems to unlawfully exploit personal data.
The organization, known as Noyb (None of Your Business), objected to Meta’s recent notice informing European consumers about the revision of its privacy policy on June 26th. Upon further investigation, Noyb discovered that Meta intends to use both public and non-public data for “any undefined type of current and future AI technology.”
According to Noyb, Meta’s artificial intelligence system has the capability to collect personal data from any source and share it with third parties without the user’s consent, violating current legislation that requires opt-in authorization from users. Max Schrems, the founder of Noyb, stated that this is a clear violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a significant piece of legislation established by the European Union to empower individuals in controlling their personal information.
Schrems also raised concerns about Meta potentially using the data for aggressive targeted advertising or even developing a lethal drone. However, Meta has not provided any information regarding its intentions with the data.
The nonprofit organization is optimistic that data protection authorities in the eleven European nations will prevent Meta’s new privacy policy from taking effect before the end of June. They are also calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. The organization plans to file complaints in other EU member states in the coming days.
Noyb has a track record of initiating legal challenges against prominent tech companies, often leading to regulatory action. Their activities began in 2018, coinciding with the implementation of GDPR by the European Union.
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