Can a Chain Message Protect Your Data on Instagram and Facebook?
If you’ve been on social media lately, you may have come across a chain message circulating on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. This message claims that by posting it, you can prevent Meta, the parent company of these platforms, from using your content for training its artificial intelligence models. But does this message really have any power?
Meta has stated that it uses public posts on Instagram and Facebook to train its generative AI models. Generative artificial intelligence is a technology used to create new content such as images, text, or videos.
The “Goodbye Meta AI” Message
The chain message people are sharing reads:
“Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos.”
Does Posting the Message Protect Your Data?
No, posting the “Goodbye Meta AI” message will not protect your data. According to a spokesperson for Meta, this message is inaccurate and cannot change how Facebook and Instagram use your data.
What You Need to Know
Posting a chain message on your social media profile cannot alter the terms of service that you agreed to when signing up. These terms dictate how platforms like Instagram and Facebook can use your data. By sharing content on these platforms, you grant them a license to use and distribute your content according to their terms of service.
There is no opt-out feature for users who wish to prevent Meta from using their public content for AI training. Posting a message will not change how your data is utilized by these platforms.
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