If you've been on Instagram recently, you've more than likely seen someone upload to their 'Story' or make a post captioning it along the lines of ‘Goodbye Meta AI’.
It has absolutely swamped the platform, but what is it all about?
Well, there's been a lot of false information going around, which probably to you and me seems obvious, but apparently not to A-list celebrities like James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, and more.
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Even America Horror Story's iconic actor Sarah Paulson has fallen for the trick.
But before we get into it, let's talk about AI, and why tech giant Meta, which of course owns Instagram, along with WhatsApp and Facebook, is dipping its toe in the artificial water.
The company, co-founded by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg under the name of Facebook before delving into further avenues with it, is now helping train its own artificial intelligence bot through its users content.
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So, Meta's AI is sifting through anyone's posts whose accounts aren't private and learning from it - this doesn't include direct messages or anything in your inbox.
According to the scheme, anything that is 'publicly shared posts from Instagram and Facebook – including photos and text' can be used.
The only problem is that unless you inform Meta that you do not wish for AI to learn from your profile, it will do so - in other words, you have to opt out, although Meta has reassured users that it is ‘using people’s data responsibly'.
It seems however that some people have had a laugh with it, as false information has leaked that has duped even the most famous of stars - hasn't it, Mr McAvoy?
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He shared a post, which he has since deleted, beginning with 'Goodbye Meta AI’.
The post, which thousands of people have posted, read: “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.
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“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.”
Yes, the truth is far less entertaining!
If you do not wish for AI to scroll through your profile you simply need to follow a few steps.
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Visit the Meta Privacy Center, which can be found on Facebook.
Next, click on ‘data settings’, and then ‘off-Facebook activity’.
All you then have to do is go to ‘manage your data’, at which point you can simply switch off ‘data sharing’ and ‘AI model training’ - it's as simple as that.
While over on Instagram, visit ‘settings’, then go to ‘about’. You can then turn off the setting under ‘privacy policy'.
Topics: Instagram, Social Media, Viral, James McAvoy, Sarah Paulson, Artificial Intelligence, Facebook, Meta, WhatsApp
Joe Yates