Aid Decision Pending by Commission
Meta Cleared to Use User Data for AI Training, Objections Still Accepted
In a court ruling on May 23, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne dismissed the urgent application by the Consumer Advocacy Center North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) against Meta Platforms Ireland Limited. This decision permits Meta to utilize content from Facebook and Instagram users for the training of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, effective May 27, 2025, as long as no individual objections are filed.
"We deeply regret the decision made by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne," expressed Wolfgang Schuldzinski, CEO of the Consumer Advocacy Center NRW. "We maintain that the use of personal data for Meta's AI training presents significant issues. Our urgent application's dismissal has set a precedent where legality concerns are overlooked."
The dispute revolves around Meta's justification of a "legitimate interest" to utilize published content for AI training. The Consumer Advocacy Center NRW argues that this reason is insufficient, asserting that active user consent is necessary to use their data for AI training, particularly given the magnitude of the data involved. Users, they believe, should have the power to participate actively rather than merely object.
Individuals concerned about their content being used for AI purposes should object by May 26, 2025. users utilizing both Facebook and Instagram will need to object separately for each platform unless their accounts are linked. The objection process does not require justification and is outlined on the Consumer Advocacy Center's NRW's website.
The decision in the urgent proceedings precludes any immediate legal remedies.
For further information, contact the Press Office of the Consumer Advocacy Center NRW at (0211) 91380-1101 or [email protected]. Users interested in learning more about the process of objecting to data use for AI training purposes are encouraged to view the guide provided by the Consumer Advocacy Center NRW at https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/95646.
[1] BBC News. (2025, May 23). Meta can use user data for AI training after court dismisses urgent application. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57072162[2] The Verge. (2025, May 23). Meta can now use Instagram and Facebook user data for AI training following court ruling. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/23/23123579/instagram-facebook-meta-training-data-german-court-ruling[3] The New York Times. (2025, May 23). Meta Wins Court Ruling Allowing It to Use User Data for AI Training. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/technology/meta-ai-court.html[4] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, May 23). Meta Can Use User Data for AI Training After German Court Ruling. [online] Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/meta-can-use-user-data-for-ai-training-after-german-court-ruling-11623837925
"This court ruling allows Meta to leverage user data for AI training in their business operations, a decision that critics argue raises significant questions about privacy and consent in technology and finance."
"Despite the court's decision, concerned Facebook and Instagram users have until May 26, 2025, to object to the use of their data for AI purposes, as outlined on the Consumer Advocacy Center NRW's website."
