Meta’s new terms may allow it to train AI on news sites for free
Meta’s October 30 business terms let it crawl linked publisher sites to train AI models.
Meta’s updated Commercial Terms, effective October 30, authorize crawlers, bots, and test credentials to access domains associated with business accounts on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Meta may use that outside content to develop, improve, research, and train its AI products. Nieman Lab says the language could cover online publishers and bypass separate licensing deals Meta has signed with outlets including CNN, Fox News, USA Today, and People Inc. Businesses that reject the terms may lose commercial access, while Meta One already charges some users to post links.
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