Key facts
- Meta is indefinitely delaying new commercial terms for its AI services.
- Publishers and digital advertisers raised concerns that the terms would give Meta unlimited rights to use their content for AI.
- Meta stated existing terms remain in place until updated terms are implemented.
- The company aims to consult with industry groups and leaders before implementing changes.
Meta announced Wednesday it is indefinitely delaying the rollout of new commercial terms for its AI services following concerns from publishers and digital advertisers. The company stated it would consult with industry groups and leaders before implementing changes, extending the effective date beyond November 20. EU and UK antitrust authorities had received complaints about the terms, which some feared would grant Meta unlimited rights to use their content for AI services. Meta has rejected these claims, stating its automated software can grab "any content" for "advertising and business products" to maintain integrity and security, and that changes do not alter how Meta uses web crawlers. The News/Media Alliance, a journalism trade group, had previously criticized the proposed changes as anticompetitive and unfair to content creators.