Meta suspends AI tools in Brazil

SAO PAULO:

Meta Platforms announced on Wednesday its decision to suspend the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in Brazil, citing government objections to its new privacy policy on personal data and AI.

Brazil is a key market for Meta, with a population of over 200 million, and has the second-largest user base for Meta’s WhatsApp after India. In June, Meta launched its first AI-powered ad targeting program for businesses in Sao Paulo, leveraging its popular chat service.

Earlier this month, the Brazilian Data Protection Agency (ANPD) promptly suspended Meta’s new privacy policy, specifically regarding the use of personal data to train generative AI systems in the country.

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.