A return to data collection projects
Meta had initially planned to collect data to train its AI models, but that project was put on hold last June due to privacy concerns.The company has now announced that it will relaunch those plans, incorporating feedback from regulators to improve transparency.
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Notifications to explain the process
Starting this next week, Adults using Facebook and Instagram in the UK will start receiving in-app notifications explaining what Meta plans to do with their data. These notifications will include information on how to access an opt-out form to opt out of having their data used to train Meta’s generative AI models.
How to opt out?
To prevent your posts from being used to train Meta’s AI, It is crucial to check your privacy settings on Facebook and Instagram. Here’s how to do it:
- On Facebook : Go to the menu (bottom right) > Settings & privacy > Settings, then scroll down to the “Public & visibility” section. Make sure the settings for posts, stories, and reels are not public.
- On Instagram : Tap your profile in the bottom right, then tap the hamburger menu in the top right. Scroll down to “Who can see your content” and tap “Account privacy.” By default, this is set to “Public,” but you can switch it to “Private account” so only your followers can see your posts.
By making your posts private, you prevent Meta from using your data to train its AI models.
Additional precautions
Meta has clarified that it does not use private messages between friends and family to train its AI models. The firm also clarifies that it does not use account information from people under the age of 18 in the UK. However, This does not mean that photos of children uploaded to public accounts by parents or relatives could not be used for AI training.. It is therefore important to secure your privacy settings to protect these contents.
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A different situation outside the UK
While users in the UK have the option to opt out of Meta’s AI training, the situation is different in other countries. For example, Facebook and Instagram users in Australia have no option to opt outdespite Meta’s admission that he has been collecting publications and photos in that country since 2007.
In conclusion, Meta’s new decision raises several important questions regarding privacy and control of personal data. By taking the necessary steps to protect your privacy settings, you can prevent your posts from being used to train the company’s generative AI modelsWe will see how users react to these notifications and how they choose to manage their personal data in the face of this new policy.
