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Is your data safe? On May 27, 2025, Meta’s AI Data Usage and Privacy team will make use of posts from European users to train their AI models as part of the training process.
This move aims to improve AI’s understanding of European cultures, languages, and history. However, it has caused a lot of debate about privacy, ethics, and trust in tech companies.
In this blog post, we explain what Meta is doing, why it’s controversial, and what it means for AI ethics, data privacy laws, and user trust. It also shares tips for protecting your data.
What is Meta doing?
Meta announced that its AI systems would use public content to improve them (Meta’s Statement). We do not include any information about users who are under the age of 18 in our database. In this way, the company says, AI can better serve businesses and consumers in Europe.
You have to opt out to prevent your data from being used. You will need to fill out a form on Facebook or Instagram.
Several people believe this process is unfair, as Meta should have sought their permission first. The decision raised concerns about the privacy of users’ personal information.
AI Data Usage and Privacy concerns
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict guidelines for data protection in the EU. These laws give users control over their personal data. Meta’s AI Data Usage and Privacy opt-out may not be GDPR compliant, says privacy advocate Noyb (Noyb’s Threat).
The GDPR requires companies to obtain consent (opt-in) before using user data, yet Meta assumes its use of public posts is legal.
A number of users have threatened to sue Meta, saying that this approach violates the rights of the users. A number of other countries have raised privacy concerns about Meta’s AI practices, including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands (Euronews Article). It may reveal sensitive details even if it is used for AI training on vacation photos or personal opinions.
The German court ruled that Meta’s use of data was legal under EU regulations (German Court Ruling). A statement from the Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed Meta’s compliance on May 21, 2025. However, some believe these measures are insufficient.
AI Ethics
It’s ethically questionable to use user data for AI training. Do companies have permission to use public posts? It might include personal details, like family photos or opinions, that users don’t want AI to see. The experts say companies should implement an opt-in system, where users agree to share their data voluntarily.
This isn’t just about Meta’s AI Data Usage and Privacy Issues. Google and OpenAI are among the technology giants that use user data to train their AI. It’s a big deal because Meta has hundreds of millions of European users.
Ethics AI is transparent and gives users control. There’s an opt-out option in Meta, but critics say it’s not wide enough.
User Trust
Trust is a very key to social media platforms. Facebook and Instagram users share their lives, connect with friends, and run businesses. It makes users uncomfortable when companies use their data in ways they don’t expect.
X Post speculates that Meta’s opt-out system may lead users to feel that privacy isn’t a priority.
There is also a possibility that this issue could affect people’s views of other tech companies. Meta might lose users’ trust if they lose trust in any tech giant. It takes communication and information control to build trust.
Read Also: Gemini 2.5: Why the Latest Google AI Becomes a Part of Our Daily Lives
Meta’s AI Data Usage and Privacy Issues!! What Can Users Do?
Users in Europe who do not wish their data to be used for AI training can opt out. Here’s how:
- On Facebook: Scroll to Settings > Privacy Centre > “How Meta uses information for generative AI models and features” > “Right to object” > Submit the form.
- On Instagram: Go to Profile > Settings and Privacy > More Info and Support > About > Privacy Policy > “Learn more about your right to object” > Submit the form (Opt-Out Guide).
However, users can still opt out as Meta may review requests in accordance with GDPR rules after May 27, 2025. To protect privacy in general, users should:
- For sensitive posts, use the private settings.
- Be careful about sharing personal details online.
- Don’t forget to check your privacy settings.
Read Also: OpenAI Codex: How a New Artificial Intelligence Tool Helps Programmers.
It is a complex decision for Meta to use the public data of European users to train AI. It could lead to better AI that benefits users, but it also raises serious ethical and privacy concerns.
This debate represents the challenges tech companies face in balancing innovation and user rights.
The GDPR laws and actions of organizations such as NOYB highlight data protection. This is a reminder to users to stay informed and take control of their privacy. AI will continue to grow as long as technology and trust are balanced.
