Meta has announced plans to resume training its AI models using public content from adult users on Facebook and Instagram in the UK.

In Meta’s words - “We will begin training for AI at Meta using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the coming months. This means that our generative AI models will reflect British culture, history, and idiom, and that UK companies and institutions will be able to utilise the latest technology.”

Source: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/building-ai-technology-for-the-uk-in-a-responsible-and-transparent-way/

Here are the key details:

Data Collection and Usage

• Meta will use public posts, photos, captions, and comments from adult users to train its generative AI models.

• The data collection will date back to 2007.

• Private messages and content from users under 18 will not be included in the training dataset.

Timeline and Implementation

• The initiative will begin in the coming months.

• Starting next week, UK users will receive in-app notifications about the data usage policy.

User Options and Privacy

• Users in the UK will be given the option to object to their content being used for AI training.

• Meta has simplified the opt-out process and extended the timeframe for users to do so.

Implications and Criticisms

• Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about the use of user data for AI training.

• The initiative remains suspended in the European Union due to stricter privacy regulations.

• Meta argues that using diverse cultural and linguistic data is crucial for effective AI model training.

• This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of social media data for AI training and the balance between technological advancement and user privacy.

How to Opt-Out

To opt out of having your data used for AI training on Facebook and Instagram, you'll need to follow these steps:

For European Users

European users have a straightforward opt-out process:

1. Open the Instagram or Facebook app

2. Go to Settings

3. Navigate to About > Privacy Policy

4. Look for a new box with information about Meta AI

5. Click the "Right to object" link to access the opt-out form

6. Select your country of residence

7. Enter your email address

8. Provide a reason for your objection

Meta will review the request and typically grant it quickly for European users, in accordance with GDPR regulations.

For Users Outside Europe

Unfortunately, Meta does not currently offer a direct opt-out feature for users outside of Europe. However, you can take some steps to limit data usage:

1. Set your posts and photos to "Friends" or a more restricted audience instead of "Public"

2. Be cautious about what you share publicly on the platforms

3. Limit your interactions with AI features on Meta platforms

Additional Considerations

• Meta uses public posts, photos, and captions from adult users dating back to 2007 for AI training.

• Private messages and content from users under 18 are not included in the training dataset.

• Making your posts non-public should prevent new content from being used for AI training, as Meta states they don't use posts or comments with an audience other than "Public" for these purposes.

While these steps can help limit data usage, it's important to note that Meta's policies may change, and the company continues to use publicly available information for AI training. If you're concerned about data privacy, consider limiting your use of Meta platforms or exploring alternative social media options with stronger privacy protections.