Meta’s AI Training Sparks Outrage Among Latin American Artists

Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is under scrutiny for using public Instagram posts to train its generative AI model without notifying users in Latin America, according to Rest of the World.

The company’s decision has particularly impacted artists in the region, who rely heavily on social media to showcase their work but cannot opt out of this data usage.

Lack of Notification and Opt-Out Options

On June 2, many Latin American artists discovered that Meta had not informed them about its plans to use their public posts for AI training. 

Unlike their counterparts in the European Union and the U.K., who received forms to opt out, users in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries were left in the dark.

The disparity highlights an issue that Spanish-speaking Latin American countries often lack robust data protection laws. 

This leaves users unable to prevent companies like Meta from exploiting their content. 

In contrast, Brazil’s privacy regulations, similar to Europe’s, afford users the right to opt out.

Vulnerable Artists and Outdated Regulations

Artists in Latin America feel especially vulnerable as platforms like Instagram are vital for their visibility and livelihood. 

With AI models being trained on their work without consent, many fear their original creations could be overshadowed by AI-generated content. 

Experts argue that countries don’t need new AI-specific laws to protect their citizens. 

There is a growing demand among Latin American artists and digital rights advocates for better data protection and transparency from tech companies.

Organizations like Arte es Ética are pushing for users to have the option to opt in to data collection, ensuring more control over personal content.