How to Opt-Out of Data-Sharing for Meta’s AI Training
Meta has notified UK/EU users about their AI experience expansion, while US users were left in the dark about this update. Meta is working on training their AI models through user data, such as “posts or photos and their captions” according to Meta’s Privacy Policy. What does this mean?
Meta is collecting data from your content to train its AI models, but, users can opt out. However, while UK/EU users were provided a form to object to this data-sharing, US users have a more complicated path.
In this post, we will dive into Meta’s AI training, and how UK/EU and US users can object to data-sharing to protect their privacy.
Information on Meta’s AI Training Expansions
On June 26th, 2024, Meta will launch a plan to train its Artificial Intelligence based on Instagram and Facebook user data.
Their idea is to develop Meta AI (still in Beta testing) to generate new content when prompted with instructions or a question.
UK user Phillip Bloom shares his ideas on these changes:
Meta does confirm that they will not use private messaging to train its AI, however post information is on the table. So, what if you want to keep your privacy safe?
How to Restrict Meta From Using Your Data to Train its AI
UK and EU users have the “right to object” via a form, which X user @Tantrul has described as “intentionally designed to be highly awkward to minimize the number of users who will object to it.” In his thread, he breaks down the opt-out process for EU/UK users:
1. I’m legit shocked by the design of @Meta‘s new notification informing us they want to use the content we post to train their AI models. It’s intentionally designed to be highly awkward in order to minimise the number of users who will object to it. Let me break it down. pic.twitter.com/rhKNFt7CEu
— Tantacrul (@Tantacrul) May 26, 2024
Data-sharing is already in effect in the US and is complicated to object to. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, US users weren’t notified of these changes or provided with an objection form. So, how can US users object to data-sharing?
How US users can limit Meta data-sharing
While eliminating all data-sharing with Meta would mean deleting your accounts, there are a few ways US users can limit the data they share with these platforms:
Via Facebook’s Help Center
- The first is to fill out the “Data Subject Rights for Third Party Information Used for AI at Meta” in Facebook’s Help Center, in which you can select from the following three options:
After selecting your request, you will be prompted to enter your personal information, relevant prompts, and additional context to prove that Meta’s AI models know your personal information.
Once submitted, Meta will review your request based on local laws.
Via “activity off Meta”
- Another way to limit data is through the “activity off Meta” option inside Facebook. This will show your recent activity including apps and sites that share data with Meta. Here you can disconnect specific sites, clear previous activity, or manage future activity.
By disconnecting or clearing activity, you can delete data that Meta has already collected. However, when choosing to manage future activities, you can select to disconnect future activity which cuts off the information given to Meta from other sites. Once confirmed, the app will show this page:
Via Instagram
- The last way is through the Instagram app, which follows the same steps as above. To access your data-sharing, inside “Settings and privacy” click on “Accounts Center” at the top of the screen.
- Under “Account settings”, click “Your information and permissions”. Here you can access, download, or transfer your information. You will also see a “Your activity off Meta technologies” option, which follows you through the steps explained above.
Is “Objecting” Enough to Stop Meta from Using Your Data for AI Training?
Even if you don’t use Meta’s services or don’t have an Instagram or Facebook account, Meta may still have information in its possession about you and use it to train its AI if:
- Someone else shares a photo in which you appear.
- Someone mentions you in their posts or photo descriptions.
You can read more about this in their Privacy Center for a more detailed look at all the information.
Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
