Facebook and Instagram will use your posts to train AI models: how to opt out

Meta, the owner of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, is to use customer data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models.

The social media giant has informed users in Europe that it will update its privacy policy from 26 June to use customer information to train its AI systems.

Read on to learn more about the change – and how you can object to your data being used. 

How is Meta’s AI policy changing?

Meta is rolling out 'new generative AI features' for customers in Europe.

As part of an update to its privacy policy, it says it will use customer information to ‘provide and curate artificial intelligence technology’ in its products.

This information includes anything you post (including photos and captions) and what others post about you. It doesn't include private messages you send on Facebook or Instagram.

How to opt out of Meta using your information

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to object to your data being used. 

To do this on Facebook, you'll need to navigate to the Facebook privacy policy. Follow these steps if you're using the desktop version:

Log into your Facebook account

Select ‘settings and privacy’

Select ‘privacy centre’

Scroll down and select: ‘What is the privacy policy and what does it cover?’

At the top of the page, there should be a message about the update to Meta's privacy policy and a link labelled ‘right to object’

You will then be prompted to complete a form to object to your data being used.

If you're using the Facebook app on Android, select 'settings and privacy', then scroll down to 'privacy policy'. 

If you're using the Facebook app on Apple, choose 'settings', then 'terms of service'. Scroll down to 'what is the privacy policy and what does it cover?'. 

Even if you opt out, your information may still be used to train Meta’s AI models, via data scraped from other users who have shared your info.

For example, this could be an image of you shared by someone else, or you being mentioned in someone else's posts. 

Should you be worried about AI scams?

AI technology is developing all the time, and it's important to be on your guard against the dangers of fraudsters utilising new features to create convincing scams. 

We've also seen scammers use AI to create deepfakes (convincing fake videos and images) and clone voices in scam calls.

Here are some ways you can spot scams created by AI:

For deepfake videos, watch out for lip-syncing that's slightly off, unnatural expressions, strange background noises and robotic voices.

For AI phone calls, laugh to check you're speaking to a real person or say something off-topic that could trip up the AI.

For phishing messages, always be wary of a sense of urgency, messages that include links and pixelated branding.

Check to see where the video, message or call comes from. If it's not an official company account, phone number or email address, be wary.

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/facebook-and-instagram-will-use-your-posts-to-train-ai-models-how-to-opt-out-av4gw4R8FjpE