April 27, 2025, 9:27 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Meta plans to start using public content to train its artificial intelligence, Meta AI, beginning May 27. Those who do not want their content included must act quickly — a formal objection is possible, but only through a specific form.
Starting on the specified date, Meta plans to use publicly visible content from its users on Instagram and Facebook to train its AI, Meta AI. Users can object, but only until May 26 and only through internal forms.
AI Training with User Data: Meta Announces Start Date
The technology company Meta, which operates platforms like Facebook and Instagram, intends to use “public content in Meta products” to further develop its artificial intelligence, Meta AI. TECHBOOK reported on the company’s plans back in June 2024 — now they are actually being implemented. According to the Consumer Center of North Rhine-Westphalia, users have the option to object to this use — without providing reasons.
Forms Only Accessible Directly Through Facebook and Instagram
Meta provides online forms for objections, but exclusively within the platforms. This means only those currently logged into Facebook or Instagram can access the respective form. The email address used for the service must be provided. An additional text field for justification is available but, according to the Consumer Center, does not need to be filled out. Here are the respective forms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/6359191084165019
- Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/contact/767264225370182
The time to object is limited. The Consumer Center advises objecting to data usage by May 26 at the latest. Starting May 27, Meta may use personal but publicly visible content on Instagram and Facebook for AI training. If objections are made after this date, users can only prevent future published content from being captured.
WhatsApp Users Are Only Partially Affected
For the messaging app WhatsApp, private chats remain protected as they continue to be end-to-end encrypted. However, an exception is direct interaction with Meta AI — such as through the input field, the blue AI circle, or mentioning @MetaAI in group chats.
Once Meta AI is active in a chat, the content is no longer considered private, according to the Consumer Center. All requests and messages sent to the AI chatbot can be used by Meta for AI training, say consumer advocates.
Sensitive Handling of Personal Data Recommended
Regardless of whether one uses Meta AI or not, the Consumer Center generally advises careful handling of personal information. Sensitive data such as names, birth dates, or health information should never be entered — not with Meta AI or any other AI assistant.
ChatGPT Creators Plan Their Own Alternative to X
Linking WhatsApp with Facebook and Instagram – What’s the Point?
How Does WhatsApp Actually Earn Money?
Meta AI Cannot Be Deactivated
Those who do not wish to use the artificial intelligence in Meta services have no option to turn it off or hide it. Meta AI and the blue circle cannot be disabled or hidden in Meta services. Those who do not want to use the AI can only ignore it.
With material from dpa