Use of user data for AI training

In a closely watched legal battle with implications for privacy, artificial intelligence and tech regulation in Europe, a German court ruled on May 23, 2025, that Meta Platforms Inc – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – can proceed with using public user data from its platforms to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The preliminary decision, issued by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne, rejected a consumer rights group’s attempt to halt Meta’s AI training plans and opened the door for tech giants to continue developing AI models using publicly shared online content.

The case was initiated by Verbraucherzentrale NRW, a consumer protection body in North Rhine-Westphalia, which sought an injunction to stop Meta from using personal user data for AI purposes. The group argued that Meta’s plan violated the European Union’s GDPR and failed to meet the high standards of transparency and