Meta to Use Facebook and Instagram User Data to Train Meta AI

Kigali / Menlo Park May 27, 2025 Technology company Meta has announced that it will begin using public data shared by users on Facebook and Instagram to train its artificial intelligence system, Meta AI, starting May 27, 2025.

According to Meta, the data to be used will include public photos, posts, comments, captions, and interactions shared by users on its social media platforms. The company says the move aims to improve Meta AI’s ability to generate more accurate text, images, and conversational responses that better reflect real human communication.

Why Meta Is Using User Data

Meta explained that training AI systems requires large and diverse datasets. By using publicly shared content, Meta AI will better understand how people communicate, write, and express themselves across different cultures and contexts.

“This approach will help Meta AI create higher-quality images, text, and responses by learning from real-world public content,” the company stated.

Meta AI is designed to assist users by answering questions, generating content, and supporting everyday digital tasks. The AI tool was officially launched in 2023 and received major updates in April 2024.

Privacy Safeguards and User Rights

Meta emphasized that the new data usage policy does not compromise user privacy protections already in place.

The company clarified that:

• Private messages will not be used
• Content from users under the age of 18 will not be included
• Only publicly available content will be used for training purposes

In addition, Meta has introduced an opt-out option that allows users who do not want their data used for AI training to formally object.

Past Opposition in Europe

This is not the first time Meta has attempted to use user data to train its AI systems. In 2024, a similar plan was halted following objections from European data protection regulators, who raised concerns over privacy, consent, and compliance with strict European Union data laws.

Following those objections, Meta revised its approach to align with regulatory requirements and introduced clearer consent mechanisms for users.

Growing Debate Over AI and Personal Data

Meta’s announcement comes amid growing global debate over how technology companies use personal data to train artificial intelligence systems. Regulators, privacy advocates, and users continue to raise concerns about transparency, consent, and data ownership in the age of AI.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into social media platforms, experts warn that companies must strike a balance between innovation and protecting users’ digital rights.

Meta insists that its updated policy respects user choice while allowing the company to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.