AI Meta models are trained based on your posts. However, there are ways to limit sharing.
The company’s data-sharing practices recently gained attention after Facebook sent a notification to users in Europe informing them of an update to its privacy policy that Meta introduces recent generative AI features to the region. On separate pageAccording to Meta’s Generative AI privacy policy, Meta uses “information shared across Meta products and services,” including “such as posts or photos with captions,” to train its AI models. Does not apply private messages for training purposes.
A Meta spokesperson said the company “notifies people in accordance with our obligations under local privacy laws,” which is likely intended to comply with GDPR rules in Europe. According to the notification received by UK user Philip Bloomthe changes enter into force on June 26, 2024.
Users in the US have not received a notification, but given Meta’s data sharing policy, it appears it is already in effect. Meta has been implementing generative AI features since September 2023. It started with the ability to tag the Meta AI chatbot in Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp conversations and talk to “AI personalities,” characters based on licensed likenesses of celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Charli D ‘Amelia and Kendall Jenner.
Meta recently expanded its AI-powered features, making Meta AI the default search bar on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp and allowing users to chat with the AI about specific posts. Unfortunately for many who found this annoying, it cannot be turned off.
The tweet may have been deleted
How to opt out of sharing data with Meta AI models
The only way to truly cut off your data from Meta is to delete your accounts. However, there are several different methods to limit the amount of data shared.
When we tried to click the opt-out link, a message appeared stating that the option was only available to people in certain regions. Other to combine discovered by PC World sent us to Meta’s facilitate center page, where you can submit a request to access, delete, or file a complaint about personal data “from third parties used to develop and improve artificial intelligence on Meta.”
To complete the form, you have three options related to the apply of third-party data to “improve artificial intelligence in Meta”:
-
“Access, retrieve and correct any third-party personal data used to create and improve AI on Meta”
-
“Delete any third-party personal data used to create and improve AI in Meta”
-
“Submit a report about my personal data from third parties that is related to a response I received from AI in a Meta model, feature or experience”
You’ll notice there’s no explicit mention of opting out of sharing data with models. The options are narrow and specifically relate to third parties. The form also informs you that the request has not been automatically fulfilled; Meta will consider your request based on local regulations. Therefore, users in the EU or UK who are subject to stricter privacy laws may find it easier to have their data deleted or accessed.
These are the only options available for submitting requests related to sharing personal data with Meta AI.
Source: Screenshot: Mashable/Meta
Once you have selected the appropriate option, Meta then requires you to provide your country of residence, name, email address, and specific evidence explaining why you are submitting your request.
To request deletion of personal data, users are required to provide specific proof.
Source: Screenshot: Mashable/Meta
On the form, you must submit “any prompts you entered that generated a response that included your personal information” or upload a screenshot of the response. Basically, you have to provide a specific example of why you want to delete your data, and even then Meta may not comply with the request.
How to disable “off-meta activity”
Another way to protect your data from being used by Meta may be to apply “activity outside the Meta“. On this page you can see websites and apps that share Meta information. You can disconnect specific sites that share Meta data, clear previous activity, and manage future data sharing.
In this setting you can see third parties that share Meta information.
Source: Screenshot: Mashable/Meta
Disconnecting and clearing previous data activity will delete data already collected by Meta. However, to prevent your data from being shared with third parties in the future, select “Manage future activity” and select “Disconnect future activity.” You have now cleared your activity history and prevented future data from being shared with third parties.
Here you can block Meta from receiving information about you from third parties.
Source: Screenshot: Mashable/Meta
That said, it’s unclear how this affects the data used to train Meta’s AI models. Meta’s privacy settings are largely related to sharing with third parties, which does not address how Meta uses your information internally. This isn’t a perfect solution, but it’s a good start to regaining your privacy. We’ve reached out to Meta for further clarification and will update this story if we hear back.
