Meta, the company behind the social networks Facebook and Instagram, announced in a statement that starting June 26, 2024, it will begin using its users’ data to train its generative artificial intelligence (AI).
This news has generated great controversy about the correct management of privacy and whether there is any way to refuse to be part of this measure.
Among the main questions that Internet users have raised about this “training” are: doubts about what type of information will be used for this purpose, whether private conversations and sensitive information are within the permissions, handling of intimate photos and what they should do to make claims to Meta.
The Meta statement details that the company will use the content shared on its platforms, such as posts and photos with descriptions, to develop your AI models.
Beyond data from its own users, Meta also indicated that it may process information from people who do not have a profile in its applications but who appear in other users’ publications. However, Meta assured that private messages between users will not be used for this purpose.
The use of user data by large technology corporations is not a new phenomenon. However, the magnitude and implication of these practices is under continuous debate.
Although Meta claims not to touch sensitive information that is transmitted through private conversations in the applications, The use of published photos or videos raises questions and alleged violations of international data protection laws.
The issues that flood the various social networks are related to how the information that is published about minors will be handled.which are very common on these platforms, along with the guarantees that exist that this information will not be used for malicious purposes.
Additionally, Meta’s ability to process information from people without a profile created in its applications adds an additional layer of complexity.
This could pose risks at the boundaries of privacy by collecting and processing public data without the explicit consent of the people involved.
The controversy has intensified in different sectors, especially among artists who use social networks to spread their work. Many of these creators have expressed their disagreement with the fact that their works can be used without their consent.
In this case, the legislation involves a study on the extent to which sources of information can be collected for technological purposes unless this generates repercussions on those who show their talent through the platforms.
On the other hand, the debate has also reached legislators and privacy advocates who are calling for stricter regulation on how user data can be used.
In several countries, data protection laws are becoming more stringent, and technology companies are subject to increased surveillance. The legal and ethical implications of using personal data to train AI are not minor and this issue is likely to remain a hot topic in the future.
In defense of its practices, Meta has pointed out that there is an option available on Facebook and Instagram to opt out of the use of data. For this purpose, numerous Internet users have already begun to share tutorials on how to deactivate this tool.
Meta has implemented separate processes to allow Facebook and Instagram users to opt out of the use of their personal data in the training of their artificial intelligence, However, following these steps does not mean that you will instantly be exempt from this measure.
On Facebook, users must complete a series of steps through their computer. First, you need to access your personal profile and then go to “Settings and privacy”. From there, select “Settings”, then “Privacy Policy” and finally “Right to Object”.
This last step is not sufficient in itself; it is necessary to fill out a form specifying the request that account data not be used to train Meta AI.
In the case of Instagram, it is first necessary to go to the profile within the app. Then, you must select the three-bar menu located in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, go down until you find the “Information” option and click on “Privacy Policy”.
The process continues down until you select “Object to treatment” and then “oppose”. Users must fill out a form in which they expressly express their refusal to have their data used in the training of artificial intelligence models.
