A Silent Data Deal with Big Consequences
Whether it’s vacation photos, birthday greetings, or dance videos – what we’ve shared on Facebook and Instagram over the years is now being used for a new purpose: training Meta’s Artificial Intelligence. Without active objection from users, publicly posted content will be transferred to the database for AI development starting May 27, 2025. The resistance from data protection advocates is significant, but many users don’t even know they’re affected.
1. What exactly is Meta planning?
Meta (formerly Facebook) is preparing its AI models for new capabilities – they should generate images, write texts, and conduct conversations. The basis for this? Public content on Facebook and Instagram. Anyone over 18 who has posted publicly potentially provides material for AI training. This includes:
- Photos and videos (including captions)
- Comments under posts
- Profile pictures and usernames
- Content in public groups
Private messages (e.g., on WhatsApp) are excluded due to end-to-end encryption – with one exception: conversations with the AI chatbot “Meta AI” can indeed be analyzed and stored.
2. Why is this problematic?
The model Meta is using is called “opt-out”: those who don’t object automatically agree. This practice contradicts European data protection law, which requires users to actively consent. Consumer advocates and lawyers are calling it a massive breach of trust and have already issued warnings to Meta.
Particularly critical is:
- Users are not directly notified.
- Third-party content may also be affected (e.g., party pictures where you’re featured).
- Once content is learned, it’s hardly possible to delete.
3. How can you object to the use of your data?
Fortunately, there’s a way to protect yourself:
- Log in to Facebook or Instagram
- Access Meta Account Center: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/center/meta-ai
- Fill out the objection form
- Wait for email confirmation
Important: You must object separately for each social network (Facebook AND Instagram) unless you’re using the Account Center with linked accounts.
4. What happens if you do nothing?
If you do nothing, your data is automatically considered released. From May 27, 2025, Meta can include your public content in its AI training.
Even if you’re not on Facebook or Instagram yourself, but appear in a public photo of someone else, you could be affected.
5. Can you request deletion afterwards?
Only in rare cases. For example, if Meta AI provides information upon request that shouldn’t have been used, you can report this case. For this, you need:
- The exact prompt that led to the unauthorized response
- A screenshot of the AI response
- A link to the deletion request form
However, it’s hardly realistic that once-learned data can be effectively removed from the system.
6. What does this mean for the future?
This development is just the beginning. Platforms like Meta will continue to try to use their data treasures for AI purposes in the future. It’s all the more important that users become active themselves and engage with their rights.
Conclusion: Act Now Before It’s Too Late
Anyone who wants to maintain their privacy should object by May 26, 2025 at the latest. Because once something has landed in Meta’s AI system, it’s hardly retrievable.
You can find more information and direct links to the forms through your Meta account or on the website of the Consumer Center NRW.
