Meta Pauses New Terms of Service After Global Backlash and Court Ruling

Meta has suspended the update to its commercial terms that was set to take effect on November 20. The move follows a series of criticisms from media organizations around the world and an unfavorable court ruling in Brazil. The new rules would have allowed the use of automated programs to copy and analyze journalistic content.

In Brazil, the São Paulo Court prohibited the company from using bots to collect reports, photos, and videos from outlets affiliated with industry associations. The decision also bans the use of this material for the development or training of artificial intelligence systems like Meta AI. Failure to comply with the court order carries a daily fine of R$ 1 million.

Judge Guilherme Madeira Dezem classified Meta's requirement as a contractual abuse. The magistrate highlighted that imposing clauses without negotiation in adhesion contracts harms the involved parties. The company argued that it is suspending the changes to engage in dialogue with stakeholders and conduct the process appropriately.

The terms proposed by the big tech firm stipulated that continued use of social media would equate to automatic acceptance of the new conditions. With the suspension, the current platform terms remain in effect. The company stated that it will dedicate the necessary time to adjust its commercial policy according to the demands presented.