The “Goodbye Meta AI” trend on Instagram has recently gained widespread attention, with many users posting a message on their stories in an attempt to opt out of Meta’s updated privacy policies. The trend falsely claims that users can prevent Meta from using their personal information by sharing a copied and pasted statement. The message reads, “Goodbye Meta AI. 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. 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.”
This claim has been debunked by third-party fact-checkers, who emphasize that sharing such a post does not alter Meta’s privacy policies. Users cannot opt out of the changes simply by posting a message on Instagram. In reality, Meta’s terms and policies are binding once a user continues to use the platform, and the only way to object to certain changes is through account settings or by discontinuing the use of Meta’s services. In fact, European users are given the option to object to these policies via a form in their account settings. However, the viral post has led to widespread misinformation, with even celebrities like Julianne Moore, Sarah Paulson, and James McAvoy sharing the false message.
The confusion stems from Meta’s recent updates to its privacy policies, which allow the company to use publicly posted content, such as photos and text, to train its AI chatbots. However, Meta has clarified that private messages and posts are not included in this data, nor are any materials shared by users under the age of 18. This means that the AI training process excludes any information shared in direct messages or private posts, offering some reassurance to users concerned about the privacy of their more sensitive interactions on the platform.
Despite the viral nature of the “Goodbye Meta AI” trend, it has been thoroughly debunked, with the message being labeled false by fact-checkers. The trend has served as a reminder for users to stay informed about changes to privacy policies and to verify the authenticity of viral trends before sharing them. For those concerned about how Meta is using their data, the company’s updated privacy settings provide more accurate information on how users can manage and control their data, without the need to resort to viral posts that offer no legal protection or ability to opt out.
