Meta says it may delay new business terms beyond 20 November after publisher backlash
Meta said on 28 October that its consultation with publishers could run past 20 November, in which case it would delay its updated ads and business terms. Publishers fear the terms let Meta use their content for AI.
1 / 2
The story, neutrally told
Mixed · 2On 28 October Meta said it expects a consultation with industry groups over its updated ads and business terms could extend beyond 20 November, and that it would then delay implementation of the terms. The VergeLC “we expect this consultation could extend beyond November 20, in which case we’d delay implementation of the updated terms” Read at The Verge ↗ CNAN “we expect this consultation could extend beyond November 20, in which case we'd delay implementation of the updated terms” Read at CNA ↗ Mixed · 2Meta said its existing terms stay in place until then, and that it does not plan to make policy changes without a full consultation with industry groups and leaders. CNAN “do not plan to make policy changes without a full consultation with industry groups and leaders” Read at CNA ↗ The VergeLC “Until then our existing terms remain in place.” Read at The Verge ↗ Mixed · 2The Verge reported the statement as a post on X by Meta communications head Andy Stone, while CNA attributed it to a Meta statement. The VergeLC “In a post on X, Meta communications head Andy Stone said” Read at The Verge ↗ CNAN “Meta said in a statement.” Read at CNA ↗
Left · 1The terms were originally due to take effect on 30 October and had already been pushed back once, to 20 November. The VergeLC “which were supposed to take effect on October 30th”“Meta responded to these concerns by delaying the implementation of its terms until November 20th.” Read at The Verge ↗ Left · 1The terms initially appeared to let Meta train its AI models on news sites that use Facebook and Instagram. Meta later removed language saying it could "train" its products on scraped content, but legal experts quoted by Nieman Lab said this still did not rule out such use. The VergeLC “initially appeared to give Meta permission to train its AI models on the news sites that use Facebook and Instagram”“legal experts told Nieman Lab that the update still isn’t enough to rule out that possibility” Read at The Verge ↗ Centre · 1According to CNA, publishers and digital advertisers said the terms would give Meta an unlimited right to use their content for its AI services; Meta has rejected the claims. CNA also reported that EU and UK antitrust authorities have received complaints about the terms. CNAN “would give Meta an unlimited right to use their content for its AI services. Meta has rejected the claims.”“EU and UK antitrust authorities have received complaints about the new terms” Read at CNA ↗
Left · 1The Verge said the News/Media Alliance pushed back, and that lawmakers from both parties criticised the terms: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said Meta was "attempting to exploit American creators and businesses", and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) urged Meta to reverse the change. The VergeLC “Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said the updated terms indicate Meta is “attempting to exploit American creators and businesses,””“Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) urged Meta to reverse the change.” Read at The Verge ↗ Mixed · 2The outlets differ on how firm the delay is: The Verge says Meta "probably" will delay and that enforcement "may be delayed indefinitely", while CNA reports Meta announced an indefinite delay, one that "could stave off potential regulatory action". The VergeLC “Now, enforcement may be delayed indefinitely.” Read at The Verge ↗ CNAN “was indefinitely delaying the rollout of its new commercial terms”“in a move that could stave off potential regulatory action” Read at CNA ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- The Verge treats this as another hedged delay of "controversial" terms, set against the AI-training concerns and political criticism.
- Emphasis
- AI-training worries, Nieman Lab's legal experts, the News/Media Alliance and bipartisan criticism from senators.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not mention the EU and UK antitrust complaints.
- Charged language
- “controversial new business terms”“exploit American creators and businesses”
Centre1 outlet
- Framing
- CNA reports a firm, indefinite delay as a Brussels-datelined business story, linking it to possible regulatory action.
- Emphasis
- EU and UK antitrust complaints, and Meta's rejection of the claims.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not mention the earlier delay from 30 October, the legal experts' doubts, or the US political reaction.
- Charged language
- “unlimited right”
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Meta said its consultation with industry groups could run past 20 November, in which case it would delay the updated terms.
- Existing terms remain in place until then.
- Publishers raised concerns about the terms and Meta's use of content for AI.
Where accounts differ
-
Whether the delay is definite
- Left
- The Verge says Meta "probably" will delay again and that enforcement "may be delayed indefinitely".
- Centre
- CNA says Meta announced it was "indefinitely delaying" the rollout.
Meta organisation
Says it has heard publishers' feedback, is committed to getting it right, will consult industry groups, and may delay the terms beyond 20 November. It has rejected the claim that the terms give it unlimited rights to use content for AI.
“We're committed to getting this right” — CNA
“Meta has rejected the claims.” — CNA
Andy Stone person
As Meta's communications head, posted the statement on X saying Meta does not plan policy changes without a full consultation.
“Meta communications head Andy Stone said the company does “not plan to make policy changes without a full consultation with industry groups and leaders.”” — The Verge
Left1 article
-
Meta says it’ll probably delay its controversial new business terms again
Critical Presents the delay as a repeat retreat on terms that raised AI-training worries, citing legal experts and bipartisan criticism.
Centre1 article
-
CNAN ·
Meta delays indefinitely its rollout of new commercial terms after publishers' concerns
Neutral Reports an indefinite delay with Meta's statement and the regulatory complaints.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 28 Oct 16:15 First The VergeLC Meta says it’ll probably delay its controversial new business terms again
- 28 Oct 18:39 +2h 24m CNAN Meta delays indefinitely its rollout of new commercial terms after publishers' concerns
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.
Ask about this story
Loading…