Hundreds of thousands of Instagram users around the world have been caught up in the recent ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ trend, a viral phenomenon spreading misinformation about changes to Meta’s privacy policies. Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has recently updated its privacy terms to allow the use of user-generated data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, sparking confusion and concern online.
The trend, which gained traction with the involvement of celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Sarah Paulson, and James McAvoy, led many users to post a statement on their Instagram stories in an attempt to “opt-out” of Meta’s AI data usage policies.
What Is the ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ Trend on Instagram?
The viral ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ trend sees users copying and pasting a message on their Instagram stories that reads:
“Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, 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 you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos.
The post falsely claims that users can prevent Meta from using their data by sharing this message publicly. However, the message is entirely inaccurate.
What Is the Truth Behind Meta’s AI Data Usage?
Meta has clarified that while it is using user-generated content from Instagram and Facebook to train its AI models, certain types of data are excluded from this process. Photos and public posts are included, but private messages, direct messages, and posts from users under the age of 18 are not used in any AI training.
Third-party fact-checkers have debunked the viral trend, emphasizing that the statement being shared online has no legal validity. In Europe, users can object to data usage by navigating to account settings and filling out an objection form, not by sharing a post.
What Should Users Know About Meta’s Privacy Policy?
While the viral trend suggests that users must post a public disclaimer to opt out of Meta’s AI data usage, this is not the case. Meta’s AI training models are primarily using public data, and the company has stated that private information is not at risk. European users can use the platform’s settings to manage their data-sharing preferences if they wish to object.
The ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ trend highlights the ease with which misinformation can spread online, even with the involvement of well-known public figures. Meta advises users to verify information through official sources rather than relying on viral posts.
For further information, users are encouraged to visit Meta’s official privacy policy page or consult reliable fact-checking websites.
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