Meta’s new terms could allow it to scrape news websites for AI training, legal experts warn

Meta’s latest update to its commercial terms is raising alarm among news publishers, with legal experts warning that the new language could give the tech giant broad permission to scrape their websites and potentially use the content to develop AI tools.

The changes, which take effect October 30, apply to businesses using Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. 

Under the updated terms, Meta and third parties working on its behalf could use automated tools to access, collect, analyze, and store content from websites connected to those business accounts.

This access could put news organizations in a difficult position. Their reporting, photos, and other original work could become available for Meta to use in ways they never specifically agreed to, according to legal experts who reviewed the terms for Nieman Lab.