# Meta restricts UK/EU users from opting out of AI training data use

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-28T14:18:35Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/meta-restricts-uk-eu-users-from-opting-out-of-ai-training-data-use

## Summary

Meta updated its commercial terms to allow scraping content from business accounts for AI training, but UK and EU users can object through their privacy settings. The change was delayed from October 30 to November 20 after backlash, and Meta later removed the word *train* from allowed use cases, though data can still be used for advertising and business products. Under GDPR and the AI Act, EU users have the right to object to data processing, but Meta’s objection form only appears when users’ accounts are based in the UK or EU—regardless of their current location. Two Instagram users confirmed receiving approval after submitting objections via mobile, while a test using a VPN showed the option was unavailable when the account was linked to the US or Belgium. Meta has not clarified whether the objection applies to account creation location or current IP address.

## Key points

- Meta’s updated terms allow scraping content from business accounts for AI training, delayed to November 20
- UK/EU users can object via privacy settings, but only if their account is based in those regions
- GDPR and the AI Act grant EU users the right to opt out, but Meta’s form may not reflect current location

## Why it matters

This limits Meta’s ability to scrape EU/UK user data for AI training, but only for accounts tied to those regions. Non-EU users remain subject to the policy, raising concerns about global data privacy inconsistencies.

## Sources

1. [If You're In the UK or EU, Here's How to Object to Meta's AI Training](https://404media.co/meta-ai-training-uk-eu) (404media.co, 2026-10-28)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Meta restricts UK/EU users from opting out of AI training data use", 28 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/meta-restricts-uk-eu-users-from-opting-out-of-ai-training-data-use

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