Meta decides to discontinue its generative AI tools in Brazil

Meta Platforms has announced that it has decided to suspend the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in Brazil in response to government objections to its new privacy policy regarding personal data and AI.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

With more than 200 million inhabitants, Brazil is a crucial market for Meta. For example, Brazil has the second largest user base for Meta’s WhatsApp after India.

In June, Meta hosted an event in Sao Paulo to unveil its first AI-powered ad targeting program for businesses on the popular chat service.

CONTEXT

Earlier this month, the Brazilian Data Protection Agency (ANPD) decided to suspend the validity of Meta’s new privacy policy on the use of personal data to train generative artificial intelligence systems in the country, with immediate effect.

According to the Brazilian authority, the ANPD decided that the company had to adapt its privacy policy to exclude the section regarding the processing of personal data for the training of generative AI.

KEY QUOTE

Meta said in a statement that it had decided to suspend the tools while it was in talks with the ANPD to address the agency’s doubts about generative artificial intelligence.