‘Farewell Meta AI’ Is a Privacy Deception
Understanding the "Goodbye Meta AI" Viral Post
In recent days, the phrase "Goodbye Meta AI" has gained immense popularity across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. This wave of posts, aimed at preventing the tech giant Meta from using personal information, has been shared by hundreds of thousands of users, including many celebrities.
What Does the Post Say?
The viral message typically takes the form of a lengthy text shared as a screenshot or copied directly into posts. It warns users about the alleged consequences of not sharing the statement, including potential legal ramifications. The message claims that if a user does not publish this post, Meta could assume that it has permission to use their personal data, profile information, and photos.
This trend has even seen the endorsement of notable figures such as actress Julianne Moore and former NFL player Tom Brady. However, it’s important to note that Meta has responded to these posts by labeling them as false information, directing users to articles debunking the claims.
The Reality Behind the Claims
A thorough fact-check by Lead Stories indicates that the idea behind this copypasta, as it is known, is unfounded. The term "copypasta" refers to text that is copied and pasted across the internet, often misleadingly. The spread of "Goodbye Meta AI" was particularly noted at the beginning of September.
The message not only lacks legal backing but can also pose a security risk. Ada Vox, a former contestant on American Idol, cautioned her followers against sharing such posts. She mentioned that hackers can exploit these types of messages to target vulnerable individuals, particularly older generations who might be misled by such claims.
A History of Privacy Hoaxes
This isn’t the first time such privacy-focused hoaxes have circulated. Similar misinformation has been reported as far back as 2012. Earlier this year, another viral message made the rounds claiming to prohibit Meta from using anyone’s personal data, which was also debunked by fact-checking site Snopes. They clarified that users cannot retroactively change the privacy agreements they accepted when signing up for the platform simply by sharing a legal disclaimer.
Data Usage by Meta
When it comes to the actual practices regarding personal data, the situation is a bit more complex. Earlier in 2024, Meta issued notifications to users in Europe, indicating that it would use their content to develop AI features, while providing an option to opt out. This move was largely dictated by Europe’s stringent technology regulations.
In contrast, users in regions like Australia, India, and the United States were not given similar notifications, raising concerns about when and how long Meta has been using user data for AI training. According to a Meta press release, the company utilizes publicly shared posts from platforms like Instagram and Facebook, including both text and photos, for training purposes. However, the company maintains that it does not scrape data from private posts or private messages.
Reducing Your Risk
For users who seek more privacy, a Meta spokesperson advises making their accounts private to minimize the risk of their content being used. Though sharing the viral "Goodbye Meta AI" message does not fulfill any legitimate means of objection, there are built-in tools within Meta’s platforms for deleting personal information from interactions with Meta AI. However, a formal opt-out feature is not currently available for users in the United States.
In summary, the viral "Goodbye Meta AI" post is a product of misinformation and has been flagged as false by credible sources. Users should remain cautious about the information they see on social media and consider official sources for any concerns regarding their privacy and data usage.
