On May 14, 2025, the privacy world woke up to a major headline: an advocacy group threatens Meta with injunction over use of EU data for AI training. This bold move comes from NOYB, the Vienna-based privacy organization led by Max Schrems. Their formal cease and desist letter challenges Meta’s plan to use Facebook and Instagram user data from across the European Union to train its artificial intelligence models, starting as soon as May 27.
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Advocacy Group Threatens Meta with Injunction Over Use of EU Data for AI Training: What’s at Stake?
Meta’s new policy would allow it to collect and analyze public posts, comments, and interactions from EU users to improve its AI. Instead of asking users to opt in, Meta relies on a “legitimate interest” argument under EU law. This has set off alarm bells among privacy advocates and regulators.
Max Schrems and his team argue that Meta’s approach is not only risky but also illegal under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They highlight that the European Court of Justice has already rejected Meta’s use of “legitimate interest” as a justification for targeted advertising. Using the same logic for AI training could be even more problematic.
NOYB warns that if Meta goes ahead, it could face damages claims from over 400 million EU users. Each user could potentially claim up to 500 euros, putting Meta at risk of billions in damages. The advocacy group threatens Meta with injunction over use of EU data for AI training, and this could become one of the largest privacy battles in tech history.
Legal Pushback and Regulatory Response
Regulators and consumer groups across Europe are not standing by. The German consumer protection authority, Verbraucherzentrale NRW, has already issued Meta a cease and desist letter. If Meta ignores this, the group is ready to pursue a preliminary injunction and possibly launch a class action lawsuit.
Privacy agencies in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have also raised concerns. They’re urging users to object to Meta’s data use before the May 27 deadline. Meta says it will exclude private messages and data from minors, but critics argue that the opt-out system is confusing and does not meet GDPR’s strict consent requirements.
Main Issues at a Glance
- Meta’s consent system is opt-out, not opt-in, which many say violates GDPR.
- The company plans to use public posts and interactions, which could include sensitive data.
- Meta claims “legitimate interest” as its legal basis, but this has been previously rejected by the courts.
- Users can object, but there’s no guarantee Meta will honor all requests.
- Potential damages could reach billions of euros if claims succeed.
Advocacy Group Threatens Meta with Injunction Over Use of EU Data for AI Training: Why It Matters for Everyday Users
This fight is about more than just legal technicalities. It’s about the rights of millions of Europeans to control how their personal information is used. Under GDPR, users have the right to know, object, and demand deletion of their data. However, the process can be difficult to navigate, especially with tight deadlines.
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Brittany Kaiser, a well-known data rights activist, points out that while European privacy laws are robust, tech giants like Meta often make it hard for users to exercise their rights. The advocacy group threatens Meta with injunction over use of EU data for AI training at a time when public trust in Big Tech is already shaky.
If Meta’s plan goes forward, it could set a precedent for other companies to follow. But if regulators and advocacy groups succeed, it will send a powerful message that user rights come first.
What Should Users Do Now?
With the deadline looming, EU users must act quickly to protect their data. Meta has created an online objection form, but privacy experts say users should not wait.
How to Object:
- Find the official objection form on Facebook or Instagram.
- Submit your objection before May 27, 2025.
- Watch for confirmation from Meta.
- Stay updated on legal developments through trusted news sources.
Once data is used in AI training, it’s almost impossible to remove. Acting now is crucial.
What’s Next in This High-Stakes Battle?
If the advocacy group’s legal threats succeed, Meta might have to halt its AI training in Europe and pay out massive damages. This case will set a new standard for how tech companies use personal data for artificial intelligence, not just in the EU but worldwide.
Meta insists it is following the law and working with regulators. However, most European data protection authorities have only issued general guidance, leaving advocacy groups to take the lead.
As the deadline approaches, the world is watching. Will European regulators and courts uphold strict privacy rules, or will Meta’s influence tip the scales? The answer will shape the future of digital rights in Europe and beyond.