Meta Pauses Training of Generative AI Tools in Brazil: What This Means for the Future

Meta has paused the deployment of its AI assistant following a ban from Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), which prohibits the company from training its AI models with personal data from Brazilian citizens. This decision poses a significant setback for Facebook's ambitions to expand its AI offerings in Brazil, a country with a population exceeding 200 million.

The ANPD's official statement outlines that this precautionary measure stems from “the imminent risk of serious harm and irreparable or difficult-to-repair damage to the fundamental rights of citizens.”

To ensure compliance, the ANPD has imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais for any violations. In response, a Meta spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating, “We have decided to suspend generative AI features that were active in Brazil while we work with the ANPD to clarify their concerns regarding generative AI.”

Meta has a history of training its AI technologies using user-generated content in the U.S. and other regions over the past several years. However, back in May, the company was forced to halt its plans for AI training in Europe and the U.K. following objections from the Irish Data Protection Commission.