Starting from May 27, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will begin using the public data of its adult European users to train its artificial intelligence systems. The affected users have until this date to express their opposition. This article informs you about this initiative and how you can protect your personal information.
A new era for artificial intelligence at Meta
Meta has announced that it will rely on the public data of its users to train its artificial intelligence model, known as Llama. This model is the basis for Meta AI, a virtual assistant recently launched on Messenger and WhatsApp. The information utilized will come from users’ public contributions on its platforms, including their posts, comments, and activities in groups or on public pages.
What does this data use mean for users?
The data that could be used by Meta includes your username, your profile picture, as well as all public comments and interactions you have made on Facebook and Instagram. This also includes personal content you have shared, such as wedding photos, information about your job or vacations, as long as it is publicly accessible. This information does not only concern current posts but also those you have shared in the past.
How to oppose this data use?
Users have the ability to oppose this use until May 27. To do so, simply fill out a form available on the dedicated pages mentioned in the email you received from Meta. On Facebook, this form can be found in the Privacy Center under the Privacy Settings tab. For Instagram users, navigation is from the “More info and assistance” tab, then to the Privacy Center to access the form.
Be careful with the information you share
It is important to note that this form only covers the information you have published yourself. If another person shares a photo or content concerning you, that is not included in this measure. The Cnil has specified that the protection of personal data is essential, but content uploaded by other users is not subject to the same control.
Possible consequences of Meta’s decision
This decision raises concerns about how your personal data may be exploited. Consumer advocacy groups have indeed challenged this initiative in court, although their appeals were rejected. This highlights the importance of defending against the non-consensual use of our personal information on social media platforms.
Precautions to take for your personal data
In addition to filling out the opposition form, it is crucial to carefully review what you share on these platforms. Limiting the visibility of your posts, adjusting your privacy settings, and not sharing overly personal information can help protect your privacy. Additional resources are available, providing advice on how to protect your data on social networks.
To learn more about the issues of personal data protection and other related topics, check out the following articles: The Grand Est region gains its digital independence, The harmful effects of the thinness cult on TikTok, Generative artificial intelligence and major platforms, Boomer traps, and Social networks and our well-being.
