Meta Clarifies Terms, Addressing Scraping and AI Training Issues

WHO:

TechCrunch - A Meta spokesperson provided clarification regarding the updated terms of service.

WHAT:

TechCrunch - Meta removed language from its terms of service that raised concerns about scraping and AI training.

Techmeme - The removed language suggested that Meta could scrape websites "associated with" business accounts, which has now been clarified to apply only to "ads and business products."

Techmeme - Experts indicated that the previous language allowed for the scraping of news sites to train Meta's AI.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The context of the changes pertains to Meta's operations, which are global but specifically involve business accounts and associated websites.

WHY:

TechCrunch - The update in terms was made to address concerns regarding the implications of scraping and AI training.

HOW:

TechCrunch - The updated terms clarify the scope of Meta's web crawling practices, indicating no change in how Meta crawls the web.

(UPDATED October 17, 2026 21:59 UTC)

Meta has clarified its updated terms of service, addressing concerns about scraping and AI training. The company removed language that suggested it could scrape websites associated with business accounts, now specifying that this applies only to ads and business products. Experts had previously noted that the old wording raised fears about scraping news sites for AI training, but the new terms confirm that there is no change in how Meta crawls the web.