If you’ve been on Instagram recently, you’ve probably come across a viral message being shared by users warning about Meta Platforms' use of artificial intelligence (AI) features. This message, known as the “Goodbye Meta AI” notice, is stirring up concern across social media.
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| There is a popular "Goodbye Meta AI" message on Instagram that is spreading false information right now. Illustration: HuffPost; Photos: Getty |
Even celebrities like James McAvoy, Julianne Moore, and Tom Brady have shared it, spreading it to millions of followers worldwide.
The message claims that by not reposting, you are giving Meta—Instagram’s parent company—permission to use your information, photos, and content in their AI training models.
However, despite its popularity, this message is misleading and, in fact, holds no legal standing. Let’s break down why it’s a hoax, why it’s so widely believed, and how to protect your data in more effective ways.
Fear Around AI and Personal Data
At the core of this hoax is the growing concern people have about AI and how large tech companies like Meta are using their personal data. The fear isn’t unfounded—Meta has publicly admitted to using publicly shared Instagram and Facebook posts to train its AI models.
During an Australian Senate inquiry, Meta’s global privacy director confirmed that public posts dating back to 2007 had been used for AI development. So the anxiety around how your data is being used by AI systems isn’t entirely misplaced.
But the real issue here is misinformation. The “Goodbye Meta AI” message leads people to believe that they can stop this practice simply by posting a legal notice on their Instagram stories. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Why So Many People Are Falling for It
The message is framed in a way that preys on people’s anxiety around privacy, AI, and losing control over their data. By stating, “An attorney has advised us to post this… failure to do so may result in legal consequences,” it creates an urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO). And because sharing the message is as easy as clicking Instagram’s “Add yours” sticker, it spreads like wildfire.
People see their favorite celebrities or even their friends posting it and assume it must be true. It’s reminiscent of chain emails from the ‘90s that warned of dire consequences if you didn’t forward them to a certain number of people.
As digital media expert Jessica Maddox points out, “When there are moments of uncertainty and these things start to go viral, people think, ‘Well, clearly other people are doing it. Maybe there’s some weight behind it.’” This social validation often pushes more people to share without questioning the accuracy of the message.
And let’s be honest—nobody wants to feel like they’re getting duped by a tech company. When people believe they can take back control over their data by reposting a simple disclaimer, it feels empowering. But it’s a false sense of security.
Understanding the Legal Reality
The hard truth is that reposting the “Goodbye Meta AI” notice will do absolutely nothing to protect your data. Meta’s terms of service already cover their rights when it comes to using your content for AI training.
According to these terms, by using their platform, you grant Meta “a non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to host, use, distribute, modify, run, copy, publicly perform or display, translate, and create derivative works of your content.”
So, by simply signing up for Instagram or Facebook, you’ve already agreed to let Meta use your content. As Jasmine McNealy, a professor at the University of Florida, explains, “Once you log on or create an account with a social media service, you’ve entered into a contract based on their terms of service and privacy policies.” Trying to retroactively change this agreement by posting a disclaimer on your profile won’t hold up legally.
What You Can Actually Do to Protect Your Data
While the “Goodbye Meta AI” message is a hoax, the concern about AI usage is real. So what steps can you take to protect your data?
Make Your Posts Private: Meta has confirmed that it only uses publicly available posts for AI training. By switching your Instagram and Facebook profiles to private, you can limit how your content is used.
Limit What You Share: Being mindful of the type of content you post is another practical step. Sharing less personal information and being selective about what you put online can reduce your exposure to AI training models.
Opt-Out Where Possible: Meta offers a form where you can request that any personal information used in AI training be deleted. However, keep in mind that this request will only be fulfilled under specific conditions. You’ll need to provide proof that your information was indeed used in AI training, and Meta will review the request in line with local privacy laws.
Advocate for Better Privacy Laws: If you live in the United States, privacy protection lags behind that of other regions like the European Union. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives users greater control over how their data is used. Many privacy advocates, including Maddox, hope that similar legislation will one day be passed in the U.S. Until then, it’s crucial to stay informed and hold companies accountable.
Transparency and Trust
The rise of AI technologies has brought new challenges in how we think about data privacy. The problem isn’t just Meta—it’s about the broader lack of transparency from tech companies when it comes to how they use our data. People have a right to feel uneasy about this, and the viral spread of messages like “Goodbye Meta AI” highlights the growing public concern.
However, the key is not to fall for hoaxes or misinformation but to demand clearer guidelines and better protections from the companies we interact with every day. While reposting a viral message won’t stop your data from being used, pushing for stronger privacy regulations will.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook should be more transparent about how they use data, and it shouldn’t be up to individual users to navigate complex terms of service agreements or worry about AI usage. As Maddox puts it, “It shouldn’t be on the users. Platforms should be much more transparent.”
Final Thoughts
The “Goodbye Meta AI” message may have captured the attention of celebrities and everyday users alike, but it’s important to understand the facts. A simple repost won’t stop Meta from using your public posts to train its AI models.
But you do have options for protecting your data—whether it’s adjusting your privacy settings, opting out where possible, or advocating for stronger data protection laws.
As AI continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of how these systems interact with the content we create. By staying informed and focusing on meaningful steps to safeguard our privacy, we can navigate this new digital landscape more confidently and securely.
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