What do artificial intelligences feed on? In the case of ChatGPT, we know that it feeds on everything it has been able to find on the internet and outside the internet, something that has led to significant conflicts with the original authors of that content and information. Now Meta, the company that owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp is deploying its own AI tools and wants to train it with the posts of its users.
Following a recent update to Meta’s privacy policy, it has raised concerns among users. Starting on June 26, 2024, Meta will begin using information from your posts on Instagram and Facebook to improve its artificial intelligence tools, including Meta AI and other creative applications with AI.
This has raised serious questions about privacy and the use of personal data without explicit consent.
The Meta Statement
This is the statement that Meta has sent to its users via email:
What you need to know: We are preparing to enable our AI experiences in Meta in your region. AI at Meta is our set of generative AI features and experiences, like Meta AI and creative tools with AI, along with the models that support them.
How it affects you: In order to provide you with these experiences, the legal basis we will rely on will be our legitimate interests in using your information to develop and improve AI at Meta. You have the right to object to how we use your information for these purposes. If we address your objection, we will apply it from that moment on.
How this new policy affects you
Meta justifies this action under the legal basis of legitimate interests, arguing that it needs to use user information to develop and improve its artificial intelligence tools.
However, users have the right to object to this measure. If you decide to exercise your right of objection, Meta will apply these changes only from your request, and not retroactively. This means that your previous data will not be used if you object now.
Step by step to prevent Meta from using your data
- Access your Instagram profile
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner.
- Navigate to the privacy policy
- Select “Settings” and then “Account”.
- Within the account menu, select “Privacy Policy”.
- Manage your privacy
- Review the updated privacy policy and look for the section related to artificial intelligence and the use of your data.
- Click the provided link to object to Meta’s use of your data.
- Confirm your objection by selecting your country
- Make sure to receive an email confirmation that your request has been received and accepted.
What is Meta AI, the artificial intelligence that wants to feed on your data
Meta AI is Meta’s virtual assistant, powered by the large language model Llama 3, an evolution of the Llama 2 model. Integrated into the platforms of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, Meta AI allows users to access real-time information and make queries using natural language.
This assistant facilitates everyday tasks like searching for recipes, getting recommendations, and solving academic questions directly from any Meta social network.
We will see over time the functionalities of this new AI and whether there are many or few users who revoke their consent.
