Startups·18 October 2026·1 min readTechnical readSource-backed

Meta removes commercial terms language that sparked widespread concern over web scraping and training data

Meta has removed specific wording from its commercial terms of use that sparked widespread worry over web scraping and artificial intelligence training.

By WireUnwired Editorial Team

Editorial illustration for Meta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concerns — WireUnwired deterministic editorial visual

WIREUNWIRED BRIEF

Meta has removed specific wording from its commercial terms of use that sparked widespread worry over web scraping and artificial intelligence training. The disputed language had stated that Meta could use content from any business account's web pages or URLs to develop, train, and research company products and services.

Legal experts speaking to Nieman Lab previously called the provision a remarkable clause that could grant Meta permission to scrape publisher websites. The controversy arose while various lawsuits involving artificial intelligence and alleged copyright infringement continue against major tech companies, including Meta. A Meta spokesperson asserted that the update did not signal any shift in how the company crawls the web, explaining that the text only applied to ads and business products.

According to a statement reported by The Verge, the tech giant revised the terms to clear up confusion following public feedback.

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SOURCE & ATTRIBUTION

TechCrunch

Original author: Anthony Ha

Original publication: 18 October 2026 03:01

Read full story on TechCrunch ↗

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STORY TITLE:
Meta removes commercial terms language that sparked widespread concern over web scraping and training data
SOURCE:
TechCrunch
ORIGINAL URL:
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/17/meta-removes-language-that-raised-scraping-and-ai-training-concerns/

SOURCE EXCERPT:
A Meta spokesperson insisted that the updated terms did not reflect a change in the way Meta crawls the web.

Last updated 18 October 2026 03:22

Original sourceTechCrunch ↗