In today's digital world, social media is an integral part of our everyday lives. But while we connect with friends and share content, the tech giant Meta, the operator behind platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, relentlessly collects our personal data. Meta is currently facing renewed criticism because the company plans to use public user content to train its artificial intelligence (AI) – "Meta AI." This development raises important questions about our privacy and data security.
What Meta wants to use in terms of personal data from WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook
Meta has announced that it will begin using publicly shared posts, photos, videos, comments, and captions from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI starting May 27, 2025. The goal is to better understand and improve AI products and models, particularly with regard to German culture, language, and history.
What does that mean specifically?
- Facebook & Instagram: Any content you post publicly, stories, photos, videos, comments – basically anything you share with the public – could become “food” for Meta’s AI.
- WhatsApp: Private chats on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption and, according to Meta, should not be used for AI training. However, this does not apply to direct interaction with the "Meta AI" feature in WhatsApp. Chat histories between you and the AI bot are considered public and can therefore be used for training.
It is important to understand that Meta not only analyzes the content itself, but also the behavior of users, their interests and reactions to certain content in order to suggest even more relevant content and optimize the AI.
Where the dangers are
The planned data usage poses significant risks for users:
- Loss of control over your own data: Once your data has been used for AI training, it can no longer be retrieved or deleted. This means that your personal content is irrevocably embedded in Meta's AI models.
- Lack of transparency: Although Meta cites a "legitimate interest" in using data, consumer advocates criticize the lack of transparency and the fact that Meta does not obtain explicit consent from users, but considers the active opt-out option sufficient. This calls into question consumers' control over their personal data.
- Potential data misuse: When large amounts of personal data are used for AI training, the risk that this data could be misused for other purposes increases, even though Meta excludes this possibility. AI models can exhibit unexpected behavior, and it is difficult to predict how the trained data will be used or interpreted in the future.
- Personalized advertising and manipulation: Meta is an advertising company that earns billions through personalized advertising. The insights gained through AI about user behavior and interests could be used to deliver even more targeted advertising or to influence users through algorithms.
- Data security and leaks: The more data collected, the greater the risk of data leaks or cyberattacks in which sensitive information could fall into the wrong hands.
Why you should object
Given the risks mentioned, there are compelling reasons to object to Meta’s use of data:
- Protecting your privacy: It is your right to decide who uses your personal data and for what purposes. Opting out is a proactive step to protect your privacy and maintain control over your digital footprint.
- Protection against uncontrollable AI use: Prevent your publicly shared content from being irreversibly integrated into AI models whose future applications and impacts cannot be fully foreseen.
- Sending a signal: Opting out signals to Meta and other tech companies that users aren't willing to hand over their data unconditionally. This can help enforce better data protection standards in the long run.
- Avoid unwanted personalization: Reduce the extent to which meta analyzes your content to deliver personalized ads or recommendations that may feel manipulative.
Where and how to do it: How to file an objection
Meta doesn't make it easy for users to object, as the function is often hidden. Important: An objection made after the deadline will only result in your data being blocked from that date onward. Data processed up to that point can no longer be reversed.
Instructions for Facebook and Instagram:
- Log in to your Facebook or Instagram account.
- Navigate to Settings:
- In the app: Open your profile and tap the three lines (menu) in the top right corner. Then go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Settings."
- On PC: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Settings and privacy" > "Settings".
- Find the privacy policy: Scroll down the menu and tap "Privacy Policy" or "About" and then "Privacy Policy."
- Find the right of objection:
- On the privacy policy page, look for a text field or magnifying glass (in the app) and enter "objection" or "objection." Look for the link or section related to "Right of Objection."
- Alternatively, you can find the "opt out" link in the first paragraph of the relevant notice (often in the notice on AI data usage).
- Fill out the form: You'll be redirected to a form asking, "Does your inquiry relate to AI at Meta?" Answer "Yes."
- Enter your email address: Enter your email address (if it isn't displayed automatically). A reason text is usually not necessary.
- Submit your objection: Click "Send".
You should then receive confirmation that your objection has been accepted.
Important for WhatsApp: WhatsApp doesn't offer an option to opt out of AI usage in the context of public data, as private chats are end-to-end encrypted. However, if you use the "Meta AI" feature in WhatsApp, these chat histories will be used with the AI bot for training. To avoid this, you should simply ignore this feature.
Meta's use of data to train its artificial intelligence is another step toward more comprehensive data collection and analysis. Even though Meta speaks of a "legitimate interest," it is the responsibility of each individual user to protect their privacy. Opting out is an important tool for maintaining control over your digital footprint and taking a stand against the increasing commodification of your data. Act now and protect your digital rights!
