Fact Check: 'Legal' Statement Does NOT Protect User Data From Meta's AI Training
There has been a circulating claim that posting a specific statement can prevent Meta from using user data for artificial intelligence training. However, this claim is not valid. Posting the viral statement, or any other statement, does not guarantee that Meta will refrain from utilizing user data for AI training purposes. Users in Europe do have the option to object to this usage by filling out a form within their account settings.
The Nature of the Statement
The statement in question is considered "copypasta," which refers to text that is repeatedly copied and pasted online, often containing inaccurate information. The claim initially surfaced in a post on Facebook dated September 1, 2024.
Meta's AI Features and Data Usage
Meta announced the introduction of generative AI features in September 2023. According to a privacy resource page, Meta's generative AI collects information from various sources, including public data, users' public posts, and interactions with AI features. This allows Meta to enhance the capabilities of its AI features by utilizing users' public content and engagements.
In a press release published on June 10, 2024, Meta specifically addressed European Facebook users, providing them with the opportunity to object to the use of their data in Meta's AI modeling efforts. European users can access the objection form through their Facebook settings.
Data Usage Concerns for U.S. Users
As of now, there is no confirmed method for Facebook users in the U.S. to prevent their data from being included in Meta's AI training procedures.
Reports from The New York Times and MIT Technology Review suggest that U.S. users can limit Meta's access to their content by adjusting their account settings to private. However, there is no confirmation from Meta regarding the ability of U.S. users to request exclusion from AI data training.
Conclusion
The claim that a specific statement can protect user data from Meta's AI training is unfounded. While European users have the option to object to data usage, U.S. users currently lack a guaranteed method to prevent their data from being utilized in Meta's AI training processes. It is essential for users to remain cautious about the spread of unverified information online, particularly in the form of copypasta content.
Copypasta is commonly used to disseminate information, often false, through repeated copying and pasting.
For further information and updates on this topic, Lead Stories has contacted Meta for additional comments and will provide any relevant responses as they become available.
