Italy Expands Probe Into Meta’s AI Practices

Italy has officially expanded its investigation into Meta’s use of artificial intelligence tools on the WhatsApp platform, intensifying scrutiny over how the tech giant handles user data in the age of advanced AI.

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The move, led by the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante), highlights growing concerns around transparency, informed consent, and compliance with Europe’s strict privacy regulations, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The investigation focuses on whether Meta clearly explained to WhatsApp users how their data might be utilized in relation to new AI-powered features. While WhatsApp is known for its end-to-end encryption—which secures message content even from Meta itself—the concern extends beyond message content. Regulators are examining how metadata, behavioral patterns, contact interactions, and other non-encrypted information may have been processed to train or enhance Meta’s AI models.

Italy’s Garante wants to determine whether Meta provided users with sufficiently clear disclosures and whether it offered a real choice to opt out of certain data uses. Several consumer advocacy groups argue that Meta’s policy updates may have been too vague, potentially leaving users unaware of how deeply their interactions might contribute to AI development. Transparency is a core requirement under GDPR, and failure to meet these standards could lead to heavy fines or forced adjustments to Meta’s AI operations within Europe.

This expanded inquiry also reflects a broader European trend of intensifying oversight on Big Tech companies as AI technologies become more widespread. Italy has previously launched high-profile investigations into platforms like OpenAI and TikTok, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of user privacy.

For WhatsApp’s massive user base in Italy and beyond, this probe raises serious questions: How much data should tech companies be allowed to collect? Are users truly aware of how their data feeds into AI ecosystems? And what safeguards should be in place to protect individuals in a rapidly evolving digital landscape?

The outcome of Italy’s investigation could set major precedents. It may influence how companies communicate AI-related data usage, enforce stronger privacy standards, and shape future policies governing AI deployment across communication apps. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily digital interactions, establishing trust and maintaining transparency will be more important than ever.

Ultimately, this development underscores a global message: AI innovation must be balanced with rigorous privacy protection. Italy’s expanded probe into Meta may help define what responsible AI governance looks like for the entire tech industry.

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