Sharing this statement will not prevent Meta AI from collecting your data

The claim

A viral post has been circulating on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads since September, claiming that reposting it on Meta platforms will stop Meta AI from collecting data by revoking consent.

The story template was reposted by over 570,000 users on Instagram, including public figures such as cricketer Jonny Bairstow, actor James McAvoy, and former NFL player Tom Brady. Some users have also shared the text as a feed post. It claims that users must post a specific statement on their profiles to deny permission for their data to be used for AI training. Otherwise, it suggests, users will be assumed to have given consent. The message reads:

"Goodbye, Meta AI. Please note that 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 OK 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 is a hoax, misleading users into thinking it will prevent data collection for AI training. Reposting it does not affect Meta's data policy. However, users, including those in the U.K., can opt out of AI data collection through official channels.

The context

Posts claiming users can stop data collection by reposting are common and come in various forms. Known as copypasta, these easy-to-replicate messages often falsely claim that they can influence Meta's policies or alter how data is collected. For example, a 2023 post claimed users could prevent Facebook from sharing their posts publicly by posting a specific statement on their profiles. 

These claims are ineffective because they lack any legal basis. Following an inquiry from Logically Facts about the viral post's accuracy, Meta did not provide a comment. However, a Meta spokesperson stated to the BBC, "Sharing this story does not count as a valid form of opt-out."

According to Lead Stories, the post first appeared in its current form on September 1. However, reverse image searches show the same claim appeared on Threads on August 31. The reference to legal advice dates back to 2019, and other parts of the text date back to 2012. The latest version is simply a variation focused on Meta's AI development, likely triggered by Meta's announcements about using public content from user accounts to train AI models.

Meta is introducing a new policy that permits the use of user data collected since 2007 to train its AI models with public content from Facebook and Instagram in the U.K., including posts, photos, and comments. This policy is facing legal challenges in 11 European countries. Meta argues that it has a legitimate interest under EU data protection law because users have made their data public and notes that competitors such as Google and OpenAI use similar practices. Regulatory backlash has delayed the launch of AI models in the EU, but plans are still underway in the U.K. to align Meta's AI products with British culture.

However, the process for obtaining permission to collect data for AI training in the U.K. has also not been finalized. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has not yet granted regulatory approval for the processing, and it is up to Meta to ensure and demonstrate ongoing compliance, according to Stephen Almond, Executive Director of Regulatory Risk at the ICO. As Meta resumes its plans, the ICO will monitor the situation.

Kate Wetherell from the U.K.'s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology explained to Logically Facts that the UK GDPR establishes a high standard for consent. She stated, "Agreement to the processing of personal data must be freely given, specific, informed, and an unambiguous indication via a statement or a clear affirmative action (i.e., through an 'opt-in')." Furthermore, she emphasized that "implied consent, including the use of pre-ticked boxes or any other method of default consent, would not comply with U.K. data protection legislation."

Under GDPR, both EU and U.K. residents have the right to object to the processing of their data. To proactively opt out, users can navigate to "Settings & Privacy" on Facebook and click "Privacy Centre." This section provides information on how to opt out of AI data processing. Users should click on the second paragraph that reads "You have the right to object" to access the form to express their objection.

Once the form is submitted, Meta will review it, considering several factors. If the user's objection is successful, Meta will stop processing the related information.

The verdict

Social media users cannot prevent Meta from collecting data for AI training by merely posting a viral message. However, they can formally object to this data collection by completing a designated form.