Regulation and ethics · 2026-10-28
Meta will likely delay its new business terms again over AI and news sites
Meta may push back the start date of its new business terms because publishers worry the company will use their news to train AI.
What happened
Meta may delay its new business terms, which were set to take effect on November 20. Andy Stone, the company's communications head, said in a post on X that Meta does not plan to make policy changes without a full consultation with industry groups and leaders.
The terms were originally due to take effect on October 30. They appeared to give Meta permission to train its AI models on news from sites that use Facebook and Instagram. After criticism, the company removed wording about training, but legal experts told Nieman Lab that this is still not enough to rule out that possibility. Meta then moved the date to November 20. Now the enforcement may be delayed indefinitely.
Why publishers are unhappy
The News/Media Alliance, which represents news publishers, has pushed back against the terms. It sent Meta a letter demanding that the new terms of use be withdrawn. The letter is linked below.
Lawmakers have also weighed in. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said the updated terms show Meta is "attempting to exploit American creators and businesses." Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) urged Meta to reverse the change. Criticism comes from both parties.
What comes next
Stone wrote that the company is "committed to getting this right" and that the consultation could extend beyond November 20. If it does, Meta would delay implementing the updated terms. For now, the existing terms remain in place.
Useful from the source
- Andy Stone's post on X — Meta's official statement that it may delay the new terms and hold consultations.
- News/Media Alliance letter to Meta — A publishers' group letter demanding that Meta withdraw its new terms of use.
- Andy Stone's post on X — Another X post by Andy Stone, referenced in the source article.
- Andy Stone's profile on X — The profile page of Meta's communications head, who commented on the situation.
Sources: 🔗 The Verge — AI