On May 27th, I was invited to speak on Pro TV about Meta's new policy of using public user data to train artificial intelligence models and how users can protect their privacy.
The discussion focused on Meta's announcement that they will begin processing public posts, images, videos, texts, and comments from users over 18 to help train their AI systems. As an AI expert, I provided insights on what this means for users and how they can maintain control over their data.
"Data is already being processed right now, and when I say data, I mean everything you do on your phone. It's stored in applications, on servers, and is used in one way or another. Either for those who buy or sell advertising, or more recently, for training artificial intelligence models. The risks are equal to those you assume when you expose your data in public: what you don't do on the street, in public, you don't do on the internet either."
We discussed the practical implications of Meta's policy change and provided viewers with concrete steps to protect their privacy. The conversation covered what data will be used, who is affected, and most importantly, how users can opt out of this data processing.
Understanding Meta's AI Data Usage
Meta will process public information including:
- Names and profile photos
- Public posts on Facebook and Instagram
- Comments on public content
- Images and videos shared publicly
Importantly, Meta has stated they will not use data from users under 18, those with private profiles, or information from private conversations.
How to Protect Your Privacy
During the show, I explained the practical steps users can take to opt out of this data processing. European legislation gives users the right to object to this use of their data.
To opt out, users need to:
- Access the data processing objection form in the "Privacy Center" menu
- Enter the email address associated with their profile
- Explain briefly why they don't want their data used (e.g., "It affects my right to privacy")
"You can object at any time in the future, but if they have already used something from the past, it remains well used, because our data is not saved somewhere in a database, but goes somewhere into the DNA of the model."
The Bigger Picture
This discussion on Pro TV highlighted the importance of digital literacy and understanding how our data is used in the age of AI. As I emphasized during the interview, the principle is simple: what you wouldn't do publicly on the street, you shouldn't do publicly on the internet.
To protect our data online, experts recommend reading notifications from platforms carefully and using the available tools to manage consent thoughtfully. The conversation about AI and privacy is just beginning, and public awareness is crucial for making informed decisions about our digital lives.