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- Meta at war with the EU
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Darth Vader's iconic breathing sound was created using a scuba regulator - that’s more of the wet side than the dark side.
What’s in store:
European regulators freeze Meta's AI training.
Microsoft pauses recall feature after huge backlash.
Around the web: Apple's iOS 18 beta allows users to choose a "Preferred Home Hub" for faster, more reliable smart home automation.
Guidde can transform the way you work!
Read Time: 6 minutes
META
Meta has announced a delay in its plans to train its large language models (LLMs) using public content from Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union.
This decision follows a request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).
Meta is disappointed with the delay, having considered feedback from European regulators.
The core issue is Meta's intention to use personal data to train its AI models without explicit user consent, relying instead on 'Legitimate Interests' as the legal basis for data processing.
Initially set for June 26, the changes allowed users to opt out of data usage via a request.
Meta already employs user data for AI training in the U.S. Stefano Fratta, Meta's global engagement director for privacy policy, expressed concerns that this delay hampers European AI innovation and competition.
Here’s what you should know:
Meta's plan to use personal data for AI training in the EU is on hold.
Regulators require explicit user consent for data use.
Complaints were filed in 11 European countries over GDPR violations.
They’re freezing everything
Meta insists its methods comply with European laws, emphasising their transparency compared to other industry players.
The company argues that effective AI training requires data reflecting diverse languages, geography, and cultural references, otherwise resulting in a "second-rate experience" for European users.
The delay also addresses requests from the U.K.'s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Stephen Almond, ICO's executive director of regulatory risk, stressed the importance of public trust in privacy protections for generative AI.
Additionally, the Austrian non-profit “Noyb” has filed complaints in 11 European countries, accusing Meta of GDPR violations.
Noyb criticises Meta for not seeking user consent, arguing that GDPR compliance requires informed opt-in consent.
Meta thought it could skip the consent step – guess not.
Do you think Meta should be allowed to train its AI without explicit user consent? |
Vote for live results and see results + opinions from yesterday at the bottom of the email.
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On This Day
June 16th 1858 - Abraham Lincoln famously says "A house divided against itself cannot stand" accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the Senate.
AI Image or Real? - The Results!
Frosty-looking road. Did you get whether it was real or not?
39% said AI…
61% said it was real…
It was real! Good job.
Free Resources
Your network security is critical. Cybercrimes are everywhere and you can’t be too careful. We gathered a list of tools that can keep your monitors and network secure!
MICROSOFT
Microsoft is set to launch its new Copilot Plus PCs next week without the controversial Recall feature, after a huge backlash.
The feature screenshots everything you do on your computer, with huge privacy concerns raised as soon as it was announced.
Originally intended as an opt-in feature, Recall will be tested with the Windows Insider program to ensure quality and security.
Microsoft stated in a blog post:
“We are adjusting the release model for Recall to leverage the expertise of the Windows Insider community to ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security. When Recall (preview) becomes available in the Windows Insider Program, we will publish a blog post with details on how to get the preview.”
Here are the updates:
The feature won’t be initially available to anyone, including Windows Insiders and Copilot Plus PC buyers.
Microsoft needs more time to test security improvements after concerns from privacy advocates and security experts.
Recall uses AI in Windows 11 to screenshot user activity, allowing for easy search and retrieval. All data remains local and private.
Privacy win or stalling tactic?
This means Recall won’t be available initially to Windows Insiders or anyone who buys a Copilot Plus PC.
Windows engineers were scrambling to test and implement security improvements in time for the June 18th launch.
But now, Microsoft admits it needs more time to test Recall’s security updates.
Recall was unveiled last month, but privacy advocates and security experts warned it could be a cybersecurity disaster without changes.
Microsoft committed to three major updates to Recall last week: making it opt-in, encrypting the database, and authenticating through Windows Hello.
Recall uses local AI models in Windows 11 to screenshot everything you see or do on your computer.
You can then search and retrieve items you’ve seen. An explorable timeline lets you look back on what you did on a particular day.
Everything in Recall is designed to stay local and private on your device, but concerns were raised about hackers being able to steal the data.
Microsoft’s decision to delay Recall comes after Brad Smith, vice chair and president, testified before the House Homeland Security Committee.
“With this change, cybersecurity will be considered in every employee’s annual bonus and compensation,” Smith said.
Developed in secret, the feature wasn’t even tested publicly with Windows Insiders.
Nothing like a last-minute delay to remind us that security was an afterthought.
AI STARTUPS
Only a couple days left to invest in this smart home startup.
The ball-park isn’t the only place to look for home runs. Best Buy has a proven record of placing early bets on home-tech products that go on to dominate the market.
Ring - acquired by Amazon for $1.2B
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Their Smart Shade tech is poised to dominate an industry growing at 50% annually, and there's still time to invest in their $1.50/share public offering.
Mindstream Picks
Apple stock closed at a record $212.49 per share, marking its third-largest weekly gain in two years and second-largest in a decade, following the announcement of its upcoming generative AI offerings.
NASA's Voyager 1 instruments are returning data for the first time since a malfunction in November, aiming to extend the mission for another decade, announced JPL on June 13.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted the importance of their layer-2 solution, Base, comparing it to the shift from dial-up to broadband.
Assassin's Creed Shadows was revealed with a gameplay demo, showcasing its use of current-gen tech like ray tracing for improved lighting and occlusion.
Don’t Miss - Apple's iOS 18 beta introduces a "Preferred Home Hub" option, allowing users to select which device—like a hardwired Apple TV or a HomePod—runs their smart home automation. This update, welcomed by HomeKit users, promises faster and more reliable performance by avoiding automatic, often suboptimal hub selections.
AI Art
Our Image of the Day
Artwork submitted by Mindstream reader Art Faux: “Elvis playing ice hockey”
Daily Image Prompt
Huge chewing gum
Yesterday’s Poll
“Would you ever vote for an AI?”
Yes, it’s about time we embraced technology. - 53% ✅
No, politics should remain a human affair. - 47%
Your Views:
“It can be held accountable to a far more detailed extent where all actions and tasks are made public and will be in 1's and 0', so no lying just facts.” - havingachris
“AI can't do any worse that what we have.” - cgower
Submit your opinions in our daily poll to be featured!
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