Which Users Can Choose to Exclude Themselves from Meta's AI Data Training (and Which Cannot)
Starting from June 26, Meta plans to modify its privacy policy to let AI train on users' data. This news spread out on social media platforms after Meta emailed and notified people in the UK and EU regarding the upcoming changes. A user from the UK named Phillip Bloom published the notification, informing everyone of the imminent update, which also seems to affect Instagram users similarly.
With this new policy, Meta will be granted permission to utilize your data and personal content from their services to educate AI. Such content includes Facebook's public posts, uploaded photos on Instagram, and your interactions with Meta's AI chatbots.
The company reassured that private messages will not be used as part of the training data. Furthermore, they iterated in their emails and notifications that every user in the protected regions has the "right to object" to their data being used. Once the policy is implemented, Meta will automatically start collecting information from these types of content. To prevent this, users can try opting out right now by checking out this Facebook support page. Note that this page will only function if you're in the EU, UK, or other regions where Meta needs to provide the option by law.
If you're from the US or other areas, you can still attempt to opt out of some third-party data usages, but keep in mind that Meta's compliance with your request is not guaranteed. Therefore, I strongly advise providing a detailed claim when opting out to decrease the likelihood of rejection.
Steps to opt out of contributing your data to Meta's AI (only for E.U. and U.K.)
In the event that you're a user from the E.U. or U.K., or any other region with stringent data laws compelling Meta to provide an opt-out, access the support page linked in the section above. There, complete the form and hit "Submit." Select your country and specify your rationale for opting out in a provided text box. You also have the option to include more details below.
You should receive a response about whether or not Meta will respect your wish to exclude your data from their AI training resources. Be prepared for a possible struggle, as certain users have reported their requests were rejected. Even in places like the EU, where laws such as GDPR require businesses to comply, Meta still needs to adhere to your opt-out request.
However, a crucial aspect to consider is that your opt-out may not cover your posts if they get shared by friends or relatives who did not opt out of data usage for AI training. So, make sure that any family members who utilize Facebook or other Meta services also take action to opt out if they can.
This development isn't unexpected, as Meta has gradually moved towards incorporating more AI into its platforms. With so much data on offer, refusing it for AI training purposes seems a waste. Even more pressing is staying vigilant and thoroughly reviewing all terms and conditions in user agreements to ensure AI training access to your data doesn't slip past unnoticed. [Fast Company, Business Insider]
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In light of Meta's updated privacy policy, users in the EU and UK have the "right to object" to their data being used for AI training, which includes content from their public Facebook posts, Instagram photos, and interactions with Meta's AI chatbots. To exercise this right, users can visit the provided Facebook support page and fill out the form, specifying their reasons for opting out. (Meta AI opt out)
Despite the ability to opt out, users should be aware that their request may not cover content shared by friends or family who did not opt out of AI training data usage. Therefore, it's essential to inform loved ones who use Meta services about the opt-out option to ensure their data privacy as well. (Meta AI opt out)
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