From Nieman Lab · · 1m 20s
Meta Removes 'Train' From Terms But Keeps Broad Scraping Permissions
Meta revised terms to remove 'train' but still permits broad scraping of websites for AI training.
In brief
Meta revised terms to remove 'train' but still permits broad scraping of websites for AI training. Meta's updated terms allow scraping news sites for AI development despite removing 'train' from language. Originally reported by Nieman Lab.
Meta revises terms
Meta removed the word 'train' from its upcoming terms of service for business accounts.
Terms permit broad scraping
The revised terms still allow broad scraping of websites, potentially superseding robots.txt files.
Meta spokesperson explains
Meta said the revision was because robots.txt preferences weren't clear in initial terms consolidation.
Legal experts warn
Legal experts say the revised terms still allow meta to use scraped content for ai development.
Meta's business accounts
Virtually every news organization has at least one meta business account for managing social media.
Terms text change
The revised terms allow scraping for advertising and business products but not specific ai training.
Legal concerns
Legal experts say the terms are too broad and don't address scraping concerns.
Publishers react
News organizations call the terms 'outrageous' and demand government intervention.
Terms effective date
The new terms go into effect on october 30 with no opt-out option for business accounts.
What to remember
Meta's updated terms allow scraping news sites for AI development despite removing 'train' from language.
