A Brazilian judge has temporarily barred Meta from collecting content from media outlets affiliated with three press associations to train its artificial intelligence, according to a ruling reviewed by AFP. The order applies to the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and is not a final decision.
The ruling followed a request by national associations representing newspapers, magazines, and radio and television broadcasters. They challenged new terms for businesses that were due to take effect on November 20, arguing that Meta was demanding free access to their content as a condition for continuing to use its networks.
Judge Guilherme Madeira Dezem issued the provisional order without first hearing from Meta, saying that any harm could be irreversible once the AI had been trained on the material. He suspended the relevant part of the new terms and barred Meta from penalizing media outlets that reject them.
The court said Meta could face a daily fine of one million reais, equivalent to 162,000 euros, if it violates the order. The measure will remain in place until a final decision is issued. Meta did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.
The press associations described the ruling as the first decision worldwide in favor of a media coalition challenging these terms. Marcelo Rech, executive president of the National Association of Newspapers, called it a positive sign that limits exist on the abuse of economic power.
Sources: Le Figaro.