Meta's new AI logo is creeping into more areas of its services like WhatsApp. On Instagram, users now have just days until a deadline ends to opt-out of their data being used to train the AI. — Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa
SAN FRANCISCO: On May 27 at the latest, Meta will begin training its new artificial intelligence system, Meta AI, using public data from its users.
Instagram users can object to this, provided they fill out an online form by May 26. You'll need to be logged in and and give your email address.
The additional text field can be left blank, and consumer protection groups have pointed out that no justification is needed for an objection.
Once approved, you should see a pop-up saying "We will honour your request," after which you receive an email confirming that Meta won't use your public information to train its AI.
Consumer protection activists say Meta's approach to AI violates European data protection laws and court claims in the EU are pending. However consumer rights experts suggest users actively opt out nonetheless.
A similar opt-out form is also available for Facebook users, but it requires more information. Personal chats on WhatsApp are not affected by Meta's use of AI. However, if users communicate with Meta AI on WhatsApp or include Meta AI in a group chat, this communication could be used for AI training.
To avoid this, users should refrain from using Meta AI on WhatsApp. This includes not using the Meta AI input field, not tapping the bluish circle, and not adding the AI assistant to a group chat with "@MetaAI."
Meta AI and the blue circle cannot be disabled or hidden in Meta's services. Users who do not wish to use the AI can only ignore it. – dpa
