How to Opt Out of Meta AI Training [Step-by-Step Guide for iOS and Android]

If you’ve been browsing Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram lately, you may have spotted a new assistant appearing in your searches or feeds. However, with this advancement comes a growing concern among U.S. social media users about their data privacy. As Meta AI develops its models with user data, many are concerned about how their personal information is used and the privacy risks involved.

This article will cover potential privacy risks associated with data collection for AI training, how to opt out on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and the best data removal services.

How to Opt Out of Meta AI on iOS and Android devices

As digital privacy concerns grow, many users are looking to take control of their data, especially regarding data privacy in Meta's AI training processes. Opting out of Meta AI can help safeguard your personal information and limit the data collected through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

How to Opt Out of Meta AI on Facebook

Follow the steps below to opt out of Meta AI on Facebook. For iOS and Android devices, navigate to the Meta Privacy Center to get started.

1. Log into your Facebook account and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner (iOS) or top right corner (Android).
2. Click Settings & Privacy.
3. Scroll through the privacy settings and tap the Privacy Center button.
4. Click on the menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of your screen (iOS) or the three dots next to Edit profile (Android).
5. Tap Privacy topics.
6. Scroll down to Generative AI at Meta and click Get Started.
7. Select How Meta uses information for generative AI models under More Resources.
8. Scroll down and click Learn more and submit requests here (written in blue).
9. Check the box “I have a concern about my personal information from third parties that's related to a response I received from an Al at Meta model, feature or experience.”
10. Add your personal information, relevant prompts, and screenshots, then tap Send.

Meta will review your response and respond.

How to opt out of Meta AI on Instagram

Opting out of Meta AI on Instagram follows similar steps. For iOS and Android devices, navigate to the Meta Privacy Center to get started.

1. Log into your Instagram account and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
2. Click on the menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to More info and support, then select Privacy Center.
4. Tap on the menu icon in the top right.
5. Click Privacy topics.
6. Select Get started under Generative AI at Meta.
7. Locate More resources and tap How Meta uses information for generative AI models.
8. Scroll down and click Learn more and submit requests here.
9. Tick the box “I have a concern about my personal information from third parties that's related to a response I received from an Al at Meta model, feature or experience.”
10. After ticking the box, more information will appear. Add your details, relevant prompts, and screenshots, then hit the Send button.

How to opt out of Meta AI in WhatsApp

Meta has removed the option to toggle off AI features in WhatsApp, meaning users can no longer disable Meta AI directly within the app. While you can’t eliminate AI interactions, you can minimize their visibility and reduce engagement by muting them.

Some users try to totally bypass Meta AI by installing an outdated version of WhatsApp via a third-party, but that’s not recommended due to security risks.

What is Meta AI Training?

AI training is the process by which AI systems learn from large data sets to improve at specific tasks. Companies gather data from user interactions, social media posts, and online behavior. This data helps AI recognize patterns, make predictions, and understand language. For instance, when you post on social media or engage with content, your actions create data points that companies analyze to refine their algorithms.

Meta trains its AI systems using data from U.S. social media users. It allows it to analyze shared content and user engagement to enhance features like content recommendations and ad targeting. This means when you scroll through your feed, you see posts that are more relevant to you.

However, it also raises privacy concerns, as people might not realize how much personally identifiable information is being collected and used.

Best data removal services for online privacy

Protecting online privacy is vital for Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram users. The following data removal services can help you take control of your personal information by removing it from data brokers and other online sources.

• DeleteMe: This data removal service assists in eliminating personal information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and social media profiles, from data broker sites. It also tracks your information and provides a new report every three months, ensuring your data is wiped out and doesn’t resurface.

  Get DeleteMe | Read Our DeleteMe Review

• Incogni: This service by Surfshark helps safeguard your personal information by enabling you to opt out of AI training models. Additionally, it guides you on deleting social media profiles or making them private to protect your privacy.

  Get Incogni | Read Our Incogni Review

• HelloPrivacy: This privacy protection service scans the web, including data brokers and social media, to identify personal information like phone numbers and email addresses at risk. It removes the data on your behalf and monitors these sites to ensure your information is deleted completely.

  Get HelloPrivacy | Read Our HelloPrivacy Review

FAQs

Bottom Line

Opting out of Meta AI training is important for anyone worried about online privacy. By following the steps on Facebook and Instagram, you can reduce the personal information these platforms collect for AI training, helping keep your data safe.

Meta's use of user data for AI raises serious privacy concerns. Many people may not realize how much information is being collected. That’s why it’s important to take control of your online presence.

Take charge of your digital privacy by opting out of Meta AI or using reliable data removal services to protect your identity and personal information.