Last call: protect your data! Opposition to meta-AI to this day!

Last call: protect your data! Opposition to meta-AI to this day!

Today is the last day that Facebook and Instagram users can object to Meta's use of their data. From May 27, 2025, Meta plans to use public content from these platforms to train its artificial intelligence “Meta AI”. This decision has already sparked numerous discussions about data use and data protection. The Chamber of Labor (AK) warns of the consequences of this measure and emphasizes that all content that is shared in chats with the AI ​​or in group chats could be included in the AI ​​training. Users must take active action to protect their data to this day.

To object to the use of their data, users can fill out a form, which does not require any justification and does not have to be submitted in person. The objection forms for Facebook and Instagram are easy to find; For WhatsApp, however, there is no option to object. Only messages sent directly to the “Meta AI” chatbot are used here. This approach raises questions about users' rights and is sharply criticized by data protection advocates. Once used, data can no longer be deleted or retrieved, which means that existing content can also be incorporated into the training.

Privacy concerns and user rights

The consumer advice center of North Rhine-Westphalia viewed Meta's decision as a possible violation of European data protection law. She applied for an interim injunction at the Cologne Higher Regional Court, which was rejected. Affected data includes publicly viewable content such as posts, comments, photos, videos and stories. The company cites a “legitimate interest” in using data unless users actively object.

The objection process is described as complicated. Users must search for the relevant settings in the Facebook or Instagram menu to find the objection form. On Facebook, they must open their profile page and follow the instructions by typing “opt-out” in the privacy policy. A similar procedure applies to Instagram, where users also have to access the topic of data protection in the settings.

Criticism and defense of Meta's approach

Data protection advocates have sharply criticized Meta's approach and emphasize the need to uphold the rule of law. They demand clear regulations on the handling of user data, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. Meta defends its approach and argues that access to real content is necessary to improve AI's understanding of German culture, language and history. WDR digital expert Jörg Schieb also emphasizes the need to use such data for the further development of AI models.

Users now face the challenge of actively protecting their data and taking advantage of this last day of objection. Interested readers can find further information on artificial intelligence and the legal framework on the [BMU] website (https://www.bmuv.de/themen/verbraucherschutz/digitaler-verbraucherschutz/kuenstliche-intelligenz). The current discussion about Meta's approach shows once again the relevance of data protection in the digital age.