Meta Halts AI Training in Brazil Amid Regulatory Concerns

Meta has temporarily suspended the use of its AI assistant in Brazil following a directive from the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD). The Brazilian regulator banned Meta from training its AI models on personal data of Brazilian citizens, citing potential risks to fundamental rights.

This suspension is a significant setback for Meta as it seeks to expand its AI capabilities in Brazil, a country with a population exceeding 200 million.

The ANPD’s decision was outlined in an official document, which emphasized “the imminent risk of serious harm and irreparable or difficult-to-repair damage to the fundamental rights of guardians.” To enforce compliance, the ANPD has imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais on Meta for any violations.

In response, a Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch, “We decided to suspend genAI features that were previously live in Brazil while we engage with the ANPD to address their questions around genAI.”

Meta has a history of training its AI models using user-generated content from the U.S. and other markets. However, this is not the first time the company has faced regulatory challenges. In May, Meta had to pause its AI training plans in Europe and the U.K. after objections from the Irish Data Protection Commission.

This development underscores the growing scrutiny tech giants face from international regulators concerning data privacy and the ethical use of AI technologies. As Meta navigates these regulatory landscapes, its ability to deploy AI-driven features in key markets remains uncertain.