Meta to use Facebook and Instagram content for AI training: How to ...
Meta will begin using public content shared on Facebook and Instagram to train its artificial intelligence systems. Users in the European Union have been given a limited opportunity to opt out of the data use. The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, announced it will start learning from posts, photos, and comments made publicly by users aged 18 and over. Meta AI, the firm’s generative chatbot integrated into WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, will also use public interactions to improve performance. 
EU User Update
The update applies to EU users and follows a temporary suspension of a similar project in June 2024 after intervention from the Irish Data Protection Commission. The current version claims to meet EU privacy regulations. Meta stated: “We do not use people’s private messages with friends and family to train our generative AI models. Additionally, public account data from EU citizens under the age of 18 is not used for training purposes.”
Privacy Concerns
The move has raised concerns over user privacy and intellectual property. Any photo, poem, comment, or written expression shared publicly on Meta platforms may now be used to improve Meta’s AI tools. This includes potentially copyrighted material if not specifically protected by the user. 
Opting Out
Notices have appeared across Facebook and Instagram stating that Meta is enhancing its AI capabilities “for you.” Clicking the notification leads to an informational page. A link embedded within the final paragraph of the page allows users to object to the use of their data.
The opt-out form requires users to be logged in and includes fields to confirm identity and optionally state a reason. Once submitted, requests are processed quickly, often within minutes, according to user reports. Confirmation is sent via email and displayed in the user's account notifications.
The opt-out option can also be accessed directly through platform settings. On Instagram, users can go to Settings > Privacy Center to submit the objection. On Facebook, the path is Settings > Privacy & Security > Your Privacy > Privacy Center.
Transparency and Compliance
Meta’s AI assistant remains optional. On WhatsApp, Meta AI is displayed as a small blue circle above the new chat button. While user-to-user messages are not used, interactions with Meta AI are included in training data. The company insists its use of personal data is transparent and claims its handling of EU data is more compliant than that of unnamed competitors. Users who do not take action will have their public content used in AI development. 
