You’ve likely seen notifications or heard that Meta intends to use the public content shared by adults across the EU and UK – think posts, comments, photos – to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. Meta have also said that private messages, and people under 18 will not have their data processed for training purposes (sure….)
I wanted to share a practical guide on how to object to using your personal data in these models. For those who don’t object, the start date of this use of personal data is the 27th May 2025, so about a month to begin opting out.
Taking these few steps is a practical way to exercise your data rights and maintain greater control over your digital footprint. Staying informed and actively managing our privacy settings is more important than ever. Remember that if a product is fee, then you are the product.
Here’s the general process:
- Locate the Form: Try the links below first. If they don’t work, navigate to Settings & Privacy within your Facebook and Instagram apps or websites. Scour sections labelled Privacy Centre, Data Policy, or specifically AI Data Usage. You’re looking for an “object” or “opt-out” option related to AI data processing.
- Log In: Make sure you’re logged into the correct Facebook or Instagram account.
- The form: Facebook ask for a reason why you’re opting out of this – this is just optional and there is no need to provide a reason
- Cover Both Platforms: Don’t forget to do this separately for both Facebook and Instagram if you use both services.
The Links
Please be aware that as platform settings change over time, these specific links might be outdated, but they were live on the 17th April 2025:
- For Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/712876720715583
- For Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/contact/767264225370182
Why should you care?
I know I can sound a bit paranoid when I talk about digital privacy, but the reality is that our personal data is incredibly valuable. That is exactly why almost every major tech company is focused on collecting, analysing, and monetising it. Your data is not just a passive output of your online activity; it is a commodity.
A lot of people say they are not bothered. “I have nothing to hide,” or “I am not doing anything illegal, so what does it matter if someone tracks what I do?” I completely understand that instinct. It is easy to think your data is insignificant, just one person among millions. But that assumption can be misleading.
The harm is not always immediate or obvious. One of the biggest concerns is the chilling effect. People may start to change how they speak, what they search for, or what they post online simply because they feel they are being watched. Over time, that can erode freedom of expression and reduce our ability to be open in digital spaces.
And while things might feel relatively stable now under a conventional government (even if you don’t like them, they’re not ripping up precedence every other day), we are seeing a global trend where fundamental rights, due process, and the rule of law are increasingly under threat. Consider how data, like search history, location data, or private messages, could be used in a context where legal protections are rolled back. For example, a woman accessing abortion services may leave behind a digital footprint: a search query, a message, or location data from visiting a clinic. The same logic applies to protest attendance or political activity. These are not far-fetched scenarios. The technology already exists. The only barrier to misuse is the law and your data. You can’t change the law, but you can chose who gets your data.
This is why it is so important to take the time to understand how your data is being used. Reading privacy policies (which should be clear and accessible), reviewing your settings, and challenging default options are not overreactions. They are practical steps that help you make informed choices.
Wherever possible, opt out of unnecessary data collection. And when you do choose to opt in, do so with full awareness of what that involves. These small but conscious decisions can help restore a sense of agency over your personal data. At the very least, you will have made an informed decision, rather than giving away your information without realising what you are agreeing to.