This is an AI-generated summary, which may contain errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
This false statement is an iteration of the “privacy statement” hoax that has been circulating since 2012.
Claim: Facebook users must post a statement on their profile to prohibit Meta and its generative artificial intelligence (AI) models from using their “past or future photos, information, messages or posts.”
Rating: FALSE
Why we checked this: The Facebook post making this claim has garnered 14,000 reactions, 373 shares and 72 comments at the time of writing. The account that posted it has 1.2 million followers.
A post from another account containing the statement “banning” Meta from using its account data also garnered 1,300 reactions, 661 shares, and 620 comments. The statement, republished by several other Facebook accounts, consistently mentions Meta AI.
The notice says: “Goodbye, Meta AI. Please note that we have been advised by an attorney to share this post as failure to do so may result in legal repercussions. Since Meta is now a public entity, all members are required to issue a similar statement. If you do not post at least once, we will assume that you consent to the use of your information and photos. I do not grant Meta or anyone else permission to use my personal data, profile information or photos.
The facts: The publication of the statement on their Facebook profile does not affect the user’s privacy preferences, which can be modified via the profile account settings or that of Facebook Privacy Center.
A spokesperson for Meta told the BBC that posting or sharing the review “does not count as a valid form of objection” against Meta using user posts to train its AI models.
According to Meta, it only uses public informationincluding photos and text from Instagram and Facebook, for train your generative AI models. Users can manage audience settings on their messages, manage past activityOr submit an opposition request to refuse to have their information used to train AI models.
In an explanation of The Guardianmeta-aligned fact-checking site Lead Stories said one iteration of the hoax came from a status posted on September 1, 2024. The article added that other “Goodbye Meta AI” posts also claim protect Instagram and WhatsApp accounts.
These messages surfaced after Meta updated its privacy policy as of June 2024saying the company plans to use public social media posts for its AI training datasets.
Similar hoaxes: The “Goodbye Meta AI” notice is an iteration of similar hoaxes that have resurfaced almost every year since 2012. Rappler refuted one of these claims in 2023.
Other fact-checkers from international news organizations like EuroNews, SnopesAnd Yahoo have addressed variations of this statement.
The hoax uses a copy-and-pasted statement to spread the claim, also known as “copypasta.” According to Snopesit is “one of the most persistent forms of misinformation.”
Bitdefendera cybersecurity company, says that republishing such statements can also make users a target for fraudsters and expose them to risks of data loss and identity theft.
Previous fact checks: Rappler has debunked other claims using copypastas and chain messages to spread false information:
–Shay Du/Rappler.com
Shay Du is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and an editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
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