Here’s how users can protect their data and exercise their right to object.
Public Posts Will Train Meta AI Models
Meta’s AI assistant, “Meta AI,” is already integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, identified by a blue circle symbol. To further develop its AI models, Meta will begin incorporating publicly shared content from users aged 18 and older in Europe. These posts will serve as training data to improve the capabilities of its AI systems.
Importantly, once a piece of content has been used for training, it cannot be removed from the AI system—even if the user later deletes their account.
What Type of Content Will Be Used
Until now, Meta has sourced publicly available content from the broader internet, a common practice among tech companies. Starting May 27, it will also include user-generated public content from its own platforms. This includes:
- First and last names, and usernames from Facebook and Instagram
- Profile photos and activity in public groups
- Comments on public posts
- Marketplace ratings and reviews
- All posts, photos, and videos marked as public
WhatsApp and Messenger Users Partially Affected
Private conversations on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption and will not be used for AI training. The same applies to private chats on Facebook Messenger. However, if users interact with the Meta AI bot—either in direct messages or in group chats where the bot is present—those conversations may be used to train the AI.
How to Opt Out Before the Deadline
To prevent Meta from using your data for AI training, you must submit an objection by May 26. If you have multiple Meta accounts, you need to file a separate objection for each one—unless your accounts are linked.
Follow these steps:
- Log into your Facebook or Instagram account.
- Open the respective objection form for each platform.
- Enter your associated email address.
- Submit your objection (no justification required).
If the direct links to the forms are not working, you can alternatively search for “Right to Object” under “Privacy Policy” in your account settings.
No Action Needed for WhatsApp Users—For Now
WhatsApp currently does not process public user data, so there is no formal opt-out process for that platform. However, this could change if new data policies are introduced in the future.
Consumer Advocates Challenge Meta’s Plan
Consumer protection organizations in Germany have raised legal objections to Meta’s plan. The Consumer Center of North Rhine-Westphalia has filed for an injunction at the Higher Regional Court in Cologne. In May 2024, Meta had postponed a similar rollout after facing significant public backlash—this time, the company is proceeding despite renewed criticism.
Privacy experts argue that the lack of transparency and the burden placed on users to opt out undermine consent. Both consumer and data protection advocates urge users to be proactive, informing themselves about their rights and submitting an objection if they wish to keep their data out of Meta’s AI training programs.
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