Watchdog raises alarm: act now to stop your Instagram photos from being used for AI

Privacy organizations are sounding the alarm about Meta's new policy. Starting in June, public posts, photos, and comments from European users can be used to train AI models—unless users actively object.

The Dutch Privacy Protection Foundation (Stichting Bescherming Privacybelangen, SBP) is urging people to take immediate action. "If you do nothing, you automatically give permission for your photos and texts to be used for AI training," the organization warns.

While Meta does offer an objection form, critics say it is not sufficiently visible. "Many users are unaware they must explicitly opt out," the foundation states.

Concerns over Meta’s use of personal data are not new. The company has long faced criticism for its handling of user information, including a record €1.2 billion fine for violating European privacy regulations.

The urgency is greater than ever due to rapid advances in generative AI. "What is public today can be embedded in an AI system tomorrow, capable of replicating photos and texts," the organization warns.

Users who want to prevent their content from being used can object through Facebook and Instagram settings. Privacy watchdogs emphasize that swift action is crucial, as the new policy will take effect soon.