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If you don’t want Facebook and Instagram to use your personal information to train their artificial intelligence (AI) models, there’s an easy way to prevent this from happening.
But the solution is not the scam that hundreds of thousands of Instagram users, including several celebrities, have fallen for.
A message is circulating on the social media platform claiming that you can prevent Instagram and Facebook from using personal information.
More than half a million users have shared the fake post, including reportedly actor James McAvoy and former NFL star Tom Brady.
The message claims that if users repost it, Instagram and Facebook owner Meta will be unable to use their information or photos to develop its AI model.
Meta faced backlash earlier this year after announcing it will begin training its AI offering using public posts, photos and comments shared by adults on Instagram and Facebook in the UK.
Meta faced backlash earlier this year after announcing it will begin training its AI offering using public posts, photos and comments shared on Instagram and Facebook in the UK.
It later put its plans on hold, but on September 13 the company revealed that it will begin training in the coming months. The fake post comes as a response to these proposals.
However, reposting a post stating that you do not want your information used has no power. Meta has told us that sharing this story does not count as a valid form of objection.
The only way to opt out is through the platform’s own process. Here’s what you need to know about the post, why it’s managed to fool so many people, and how you can stop Meta from using your information.
What is the post?
The Instagram post reads: ‘Goodbye Meta AI. Please note that a lawyer has recommended that we include you; 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 that you are okay with your information and photos being used.
‘I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos.’
A misleading message is circulating on Instagram claiming that it can prevent Meta from using personal information
How can you restrict the use of your data?
All adults using Facebook and Instagram in the UK will receive a notification in the coming days linked to an objection form.
Once you receive the notification, you can submit the form in just three clicks. You will only need your email address to complete it.
Meta will honor all objection forms submitted and claims that it will only train its AI with public content shared by adults. It will never use private messages or account information belonging to minors under the age of 18.
The company adds that by using this content, Meta can ensure its AI features reflect “British culture, history and language.”
Are these types of social media posts legitimate?
Richard Ford, CTO of cybersecurity specialist Integrity360, says that as a general rule, publishing a statement online cannot override what has already been agreed.
“Generally, if you don’t pay for a service you consume, you are the product,” he says. “Posting any kind of statement is not going to override the terms and conditions you’ve already signed up to and by using the service you’re still bound by them.”
“What this shows is the concern and slow awareness among the general public about the risks involved in sharing our data and how AI could use it. This applies to individuals as well as businesses, and we should consider what we upload, store and share online.”
She adds that if you want to protect your personal information online, on any platform, you can review your privacy settings.
“Make sure your account is private so only approved followers can see your posts,” she recommends. “Turn off location services when not needed and limit the personal information you share publicly.”
Hundreds of thousands of Instagram users, including former NFL star Tom Brady and actor James McAvoy, have fallen for the scam.
Why did the misleading message spread so quickly?
The post is very similar to one shared on Facebook earlier this month, but it’s the Instagram version that really seems to have taken off.
NordVPN cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven says these posts often originate from misunderstandings or misinformation, and in some cases can be part of social engineering tactics designed to go viral.
“They can start when someone with good intentions believes they have found a quick fix for privacy issues, but instead spreads false solutions,” he adds.
“People tend to fall for these posts because they promise a simple way to protect personal data, which is appealing to those looking for an easy solution without fully understanding the complexity of online privacy. Unfortunately, these messages provide a false sense of security and distract from the real steps needed to protect your information.”
Vonny Gamot, EMEA director at online protection firm McAfee, adds that once published, such information can spread quickly due to the large size of the platforms’ user bases.
“Much of this misinformation is passively consumed as people scroll through massive amounts of content, so it is often absorbed and accepted without meaningful questioning,” he says.
‘In this case, Meta acted quickly to flag the post as false information and linked users to a post from a third-party fact-checking service confirming that this particular piece of misinformation originated from a false claim on its Facebook platform.’
Other ways to protect your data online
Andrew Dale, technical director at IT support specialist CloudTech24, says that for most users, the concern should be less about Meta misusing personal data and more about cybercriminals who could exploit weaknesses in our security settings.
Recommends taking the following measures:
Use strong and unique passwords: Always use complex passwords for your accounts, ideally managed by a password manager, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Conduct periodic privacy audits: Periodically review the privacy settings on social media accounts and restrict who can see posts, photos, or personal information. Meta offers privacy tools for users to adjust how their data is shared and viewed.
Limit personal data sharing: Avoid oversharing personal information, such as home addresses, birth dates, or travel plans, as cybercriminals often collect this type of information to commit identity theft or scams.
Beware of phishing: In this type of attack, cybercriminals pose as a trusted entity to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources or unsolicited messages, especially those containing urgent offers or claims.
Mr. Dale adds that if you want to limit the data you share with Meta across its platforms, you can adjust settings like “Off-Facebook Activity” to prevent Meta from collecting information about you from other websites and apps.
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