If you don’t want Facebook and Instagram to use your personal information to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models, there is a simple way to stop this from happening.
But the solution is not the hoax that hundreds of thousands of Instagram users – including a number of celebrities – have fallen for.
A message is circulating on the social media platform that claims it can prevent Instagram and Facebook from using personal information.
More than half a million users have reshared the fake post, reportedly including actor James McAvoy and former NFL star Tom Brady.
The message claims that if users repost it, Instagram and Facebook owner Meta will not be able to use their information or photos to develop its AI model.
Meta faced a backlash earlier this year after announcing that it will start to train its AI offering using public posts, photos and comments shared by adults on Instagram and Facebook in the UK.
Meta faced a backlash earlier this year after announcing that it will start to train its AI offering using public posts, photos and comments shared on Instagram and Facebook in the UK
It then paused its plans, but on September 13 the company revealed it will begin the training over the coming months. The hoax post comes in response to these proposals.
However, republishing a post that says you do not want your information to be used has absolutely no power. Meta has told us that sharing this story does not count as a valid form of objection.
The only way that you can opt out is through the platform’s own process. Here’s what you need to know about the post, why it has successfully duped so many people – and how you can stop Meta using your information.
What is the post?
The Instagram post says: ‘Goodbye Meta AI. Please note 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 okay 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.’
A hoax message is circulating on Instagram that claims it can prevent Meta from using personal information
How can you restrict the use of your data?
All adults using Facebook and Instagram in the UK will receive a notification in the next few days linked to an objection form.
When you get the notification, you should be able to submit the form in just three clicks. You will only need your email address to complete it.
Meta will honour all objection forms submitted and says it will only train its AI on public content shared by adults. It will never use private messages or information from accounts belonging to those aged under 18.
The company adds that by using this content, Meta can ensure its AI features reflect ‘British culture, history and idiom’.
Are such social media posts ever legitimate?
Richard Ford, chief technical officer at cybersecurity specialist Integrity360, says that as a rule posting a statement online cannot override what you have already agreed to.
‘In general, if you’re not paying for a service you consume, you are the product,’ he says. ‘Posting any type of statement isn’t going to override terms & conditions you’ve already signed up to and, by using the service, continue to be bound by.
‘What this does show is the concern and the slow wake up by the general public to the risks of sharing our data, and how AI might use it. This applies to people as much as it does to businesses, and we should consider what we upload, store and share online.’
He adds that if you want to protect your personal information online – on any platform – you can review your privacy settings.
‘Make sure your account is private so only approved followers can see your posts,’ he says. ‘Disable location services when they aren’t needed, and limit the personal information you share publicly.’
Hundreds of thousands of Instagram users, reportedly including former NFL star Tom Brady and actor James McAvoy, have fallen for the hoax
Why did the hoax post spread so quickly?
The post is very similar to one shared on Facebook earlier this month, but it is the Instagram version that appears to have really taken off.
Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, says that such posts often originate from misunderstandings or misinformation, and in some cases they may be part of social engineering tactics designed to go viral.
‘They may start when someone with good intentions believes they’ve found a quick fix for privacy concerns, but they spread false solutions instead,’ he adds.
‘People tend to fall for these posts because they promise a simple way to protect personal data, which appeals to those looking for an easy solution without fully understanding the complexity of online privacy. Unfortunately, these messages offer a false sense of security, distracting from the real steps needed to protect your information.’
Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at online protection company, McAfee, adds that once posted, such information can spread rapidly due to the sheer size of the platforms’ userbases.
‘Much of this disinformation is consumed passively as people scroll through reams of content, so it’s often absorbed and accepted without meaningful interrogation,’ he says.
‘In this instance, Meta has moved quickly to flag the post as false information and linked users to a post from a third-party fact-checking service that confirms this particular piece of disinformation originated from a false claim on its Facebook platform.’
Other ways to protect your data online
Andrew Dale, technical director at IT support specialist CloudTech24, says that for most users, the worry should be less about Meta misusing personal data and more about cybercriminals who might exploit weaknesses in our security settings.
He recommends taking the following steps:
Use strong, unique passwords: Always use complex passwords for your accounts, ideally managed by a password manager, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Carry out regular privacy audits: Review the privacy settings on social media accounts regularly, restricting who can see posts, photos or personal information. Meta provides privacy tools for users to adjust how their data is shared and seen.
Limit personal data shared: Avoid oversharing personal information like home addresses, birthdays or travel plans publicly. This type of information is often harvested by cybercriminals for identity theft or scams.
Beware of phishing: This is where cybercriminals impersonate a trusted entity to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Be cautious about clicking on links from unknown sources or unsolicited messages, especially those making urgent claims or offers.
Mr Dale adds that if you wish to limit the data you share with Meta on its platforms, you can adjust settings like ‘Off-Facebook Activity’ to prevent Meta from collecting information about you from other websites and apps.
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