Goodbye Meta AI posts won't protect your data | wbir.com
A chain message has been circulating on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook recently, urging users to prohibit Meta, the parent company of popular social media apps, from using their content to train its artificial intelligence (AI). Meta acknowledges that it utilizes public posts from Instagram and Facebook to train its generative AI models. Generative artificial intelligence is a type of AI that is used to generate new content, such as images, text, or videos.
The chain message being shared states: “Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos.”
Can posting the “Goodbye Meta AI” message protect your data?
No, posting the “Goodbye Meta AI” message will not protect your data. Simply posting a message on your page will not alter how Facebook and Instagram use your data. A spokesperson for Meta has debunked the message as inaccurate.
These posts are examples of copypasta, which refers to a block of text that is repeatedly copied and pasted across the internet. Previous reports have confirmed that sharing similar copypasta on Instagram will not prevent Meta from using users’ content to train its AI. The way social media platforms utilize your data is primarily governed by the terms of service you agree to when creating an account on the platform, as well as the privacy settings you establish for your account.
Understanding Privacy Rights on Social Media
Internet-based companies like Facebook and Instagram have privacy policies that dictate how they can use the content you share on their platforms. By uploading content such as photos or videos, users grant these companies a license to use, modify, and display their content as outlined in the terms of service.
Meta has clarified that they do not train their AI models using private posts or messages from users. The company does not offer an opt-out feature for users who prefer not to have their public content used for AI training purposes.
It is important to note that chain messages like the “Goodbye Meta AI” text do not have the authority to alter how platforms like Instagram and Facebook handle user data. Ultimately, users' privacy rights are defined by the terms of service and privacy policies set forth by these companies.
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