Meta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concerns

A Meta spokesperson insisted that the updated terms did not reflect a change in the way Meta crawls the web.

Meta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concerns

TL;DR

  • Meta's updated commercial terms of use were interpreted by legal experts as a potential permission to scrape websites for AI training.
  • The provision allowed Meta to use content from business accounts' domains to "provide, develop, improve, research, train, and maintain the integrity of" Meta products.
  • A Meta spokesperson initially denied that the terms reflected a change in web crawling practices.
  • The Verge reported that Meta has since removed the controversial provision.
  • Meta stated the provision only applied to ads and business products and did not alter how the company uses web crawlers.