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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is preparing for a major shift in its privacy policy that will allow it to use your public data—including posts, photos, and comments—to train its generative artificial intelligence models.

Beginning June 26, 2024, the company will leverage the vast amount of content shared by its users to enhance its AI tools. Meta argues that it has a “legitimate interest” in using this data to improve its services for everyone. The policy applies to everything you’ve shared publicly, from old family photos and status updates to comments on a friend’s post. Information from private messages, however, is not included.

While Meta is notifying users about this change, opting out isn’t as simple as toggling a switch in your settings. Instead, you must proactively file a formal objection. Privacy advocates have criticized this “opt-out” approach, arguing that users should have to “opt-in” to have their personal data used for AI development.

If you are uncomfortable with your digital footprint becoming fuel for Meta’s AI, you can take steps to prevent it.

How to Object and Protect Your Data

You must submit a request through a specific form, citing your right to object. Here is a simple guide to do it:

1. Find the Form: You need to access the “Generative AI Data Subject Rights” form for Facebook. You must be logged into your account to use it.
2. State Your Case: The form will ask you to provide your country of residence, your email address, and to explain how this data processing affects you.
3. Craft Your Objection: In the text box asking you to explain your objection, it’s important to be clear. You can write something straightforward, such as:   “I do not consent to my data, including my personal posts, photos, and their captions, being used for training Meta’s generative AI models. I believe my fundamental right to privacy outweighs the company’s stated ‘legitimate interests.’ I request that all of my personal data be excluded from this processing.”
4. Submit and Verify: After submitting the form, Meta will send a verification code to your email. You must enter this code to complete your objection request. You should receive an email confirmation shortly after, stating that your request has been accepted and will be honored.

This process gives you a way to assert your privacy rights in an era where personal data is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity for tech giants. By taking a few minutes to file an objection, you can ensure your personal content remains just that—personal.

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