Meta Suspends AI Tools in Brazil Amid Policy Concerns

Meta Platforms stopped using generative AI tools in Brazil due to regulators’ concerns about new privacy rules that affect personal data and AI. This impacted its business in a crucial market where WhatsApp enjoys widespread usage.

After the government raised concerns about Meta Platforms’ new privacy rules for personal data and AI, the company said it would stop using generative AI tools in Brazil.

With more than 200 million people, Brazil is a significant market for Meta. It is also the second-largest WhatsApp user base, after India. Meta started its first AI-powered ad targeting program for businesses in Sao Paulo in June. The program was intended for business users of Meta’s popular chat service.

The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) of Brazil temporarily stopped Meta’s new privacy policy earlier this month The rule was about how to use private information to teach the country’s generative AI systems.

ANPD told Meta they had to update their policy to remove this. Meta reports that the company put the AI tools on hold to discuss concerns about generative AI with ANPD.