Facebook and Instagram pauses plans to use posts to train AI models
Meta, the owner of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, planned to use customer data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models.
However, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) on behalf of the European Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) has requested that the social media giant pauses its plans which were originally set to take place from 26 June due to privacy concerns.
Meta responded stating that this means it can't launch Meta AI in the European Union and UK at the moment.
Meta also said that it will work collaboratively with the DPC to give European and UK users access to its AI models and will address specific requests it received from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
What was Meta’s AI policy change?
Meta planned to roll out 'new generative AI features' for customers in Europe.
As part of an update to its privacy policy, it said it would use customer information to ‘provide and curate artificial intelligence technology’ in its products.
This information would include anything you post (including photos and captions) and what others post about you. It doesn't include private messages you send on Facebook or Instagram.
How users could opt out of Meta using their information
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to object to your data being used.
To do this on Facebook, you'll need to navigate to the Facebook privacy policy. Follow these steps if you're using the desktop version:
- Log into your Facebook account
- Select ‘settings and privacy’
- Select ‘privacy centre’
- Scroll down and select: ‘What is the privacy policy and what does it cover?’
- At the top of the page, there should be a message about the update to Meta's privacy policy and a link labelled ‘right to object’
- You will then be prompted to complete a form to object to your data being used.
If you're using the Facebook app on Android, select 'help and support', then 'terms and policies'. Select 'privacy policy' and follow steps 5 and 6 above.
If you're using the Facebook app on Apple, choose 'settings and privacy', then 'settings'. Scroll down to 'privacy policy' and follow steps 5 and 6 above.
Even if you opt out, your information may still be used to train Meta’s AI models, via data scraped from other users who have shared your info.
For example, this could be an image of you shared by someone else, or you being mentioned in someone else's posts.
On Instagram, you can opt out by navigating to the Privacy Centre. At the top of the page, you should see a notification about the privacy policy update and a link to object to how your information will be used.
Should you be worried about AI scams?
AI technology is developing all the time, and it's important to be on your guard against the dangers of fraudsters utilising new features to create convincing scams.
We’ve already tested the ability of fraudsters to use AI chatbots to devise emails and texts. Worryingly, these dodgy messages don’t include the usual tell-tale signs we rely on to spot scams, such as poor spelling and grammar.
We've also seen scammers use AI to create deepfakes (convincing fake videos and images) and clone voices in scam calls.
Here are some ways you can spot scams created by AI:
- For deepfake videos, watch out for lip-syncing that's slightly off, unnatural expressions, strange background noises and robotic voices.
- For AI phone calls, laugh to check you're speaking to a real person or say something off-topic that could trip up the AI.
- For phishing messages, always be wary of a sense of urgency, messages that include links and pixelated branding.
- Check to see where the video, message or call comes from. If it's not an official company account, phone number or email address, be wary.
If you fall victim to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.
This article was originally published on 4 June 2024 and updated on 24 June 2024.
