12:40 PM EDT, 06/14/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Meta Platforms ( META ) is pausing training of its large language models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram across the European Union at the request of Ireland's Data Protection Commission, the regulator said Friday.

Meta AI's launch in Europe will be delayed as a result, the company said separately.

The DPC said it welcomes Meta's decision to pause its data collection process.

"This decision followed intensive engagement between the DPC and Meta. The DPC, in co-operation with its fellow EU data protection authorities, will continue to engage with Meta on this issue," the regulator said.

In a blog post, Meta said the delay is "a step backward for European innovation, competition in AI development."

"We're disappointed by the request from the Irish Data Protection Commission, our lead regulator, on behalf of the European data protection authorities, to delay training our large language models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram - particularly since we incorporated regulatory feedback and the European DPAs have been informed since March," Meta said.

The company said the delay will allow it to address requests made by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office ahead of training.

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