AI Training Drama: Meta's Use of User Data Without Consent, But You Can Object
Unauthorized action perpetrated without prior approval, yet retaining the option to object - Unauthorized intrusion without prior approval, nonetheless allowing for objection: a scenario described
It's starting to get real, people! From May 27, Meta will be using your content across Europe for their AI (Artificial Intelligence) projects. That's right, we're talking about Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp posts, comments, profile info, and images. Millions of us are affected, and data protection advocates are up in arms about it. Let's break it down and show you how to protect yourself.
Meta doesn't care about your consent. Instead, they're relying on the "legitimate interest" clause under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you don't want your data used, you've got to actively object. But here's the catch—you've got until May 26, 2025, to submit your objection. Once that date passes, Meta can use any content you've already shared for AI purposes. And remember, once it's used, there's no undoing it.
Objecting on Facebook
Finding the right spot to object isn't exactly a walk in the park. Start from your Facebook profile and open "Settings and Privacy." Inside "Settings," there's a link to the privacy policy. In this long text, you'll spot a subtle hint about the right to object. Only after clicking that does the actual form open. It's usually prefilled with your details, so you just need to hit submit.
Instagram Users, Don't Forget About You Too!
This isn't any easier on Instagram. Here, the objection goes through your profile and the menu with the three lines. Select "Settings and Activities," then "Info," and you'll eventually reach the privacy policy. The link to object is hidden in the text, just like on Facebook. After clicking, a form appears that only needs your confirmation.
Remember, you need to object separately for both platforms. Objecting on Facebook won't keep Instagram data out of Meta's hands, and vice versa.
WhatsApp, A Part of the Show too!
WhatsApp itself doesn't contain public content. But Meta's AI also plays a role here. Soon, you'll see a blue circle in your chat overview—that's the new AI function. Interacting with it, like asking questions, automatically releases content for processing. Private messages outside this interaction should remain untouched, according to Meta. But there's also a separate objection form here—on the Meta website. But don't worry, finding it isn't easy.
Consumer Protection Alarm Bells Ringing
The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Protection Center has already issued a warning to Meta. The charge? The company isn't being transparent enough about its data processing plans, and they intentionally make the process to object needlessly complex. Lengthy texts, hidden links, and a lack of a central point of contact make it hard for many to exercise their rights.
Act Now to Prevent Your Data Usage
If you don't want Meta to use your personal content for AI purposes, you need to act fast. Submit your objection before the deadline—May 26, 2025, at the latest. And remember, you've got to do this for each account—Facebook, Instagram, and possibly WhatsApp. Missing the deadline means Meta can permanently use all your published content for AI training, and a subsequent blocking isn't possible.
Sources:
- GDPR, Article 6, Legitimate Interests
- Meta's GDPR FAQ
- Instagram's Privacy Policy
- WhatsApp's Privacy Policy
- noYB's Legal Challenge against Meta
- The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the European Commission's communication on the European Union's strategy for the environment, emphasizing the importance of data protection in the era of data-and-cloud-computing technology, which targets companies like Meta in their handling of user data.
- In the light of Meta's controversial use of user data for AI projects, while relying on the "legitimate interest" clause under GDPR, the strategy highlights the need for transparency, simpler methods to object to data collection, and the use of technology to ensure meaningful and informed consent from users.
