Barcelona's police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, have warned residents about privacy risks from Meta AI. This artificial intelligence chatbot is automatically integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. The alert follows a caution from the Catalan Cybersecurity Agency. The agency recently urged users to consider carefully what confidential data they disclose.
The Catalan Cybersecurity Agency highlights that Meta AI collects a broad range of personal information. This includes details such as age, gender, interests, and location. It also gathers technical data, including the duration of chatbot use, device type, operating system, purchases made through Meta AI, IP address, and browser information. The agency further warns that Meta AI stores all content sent during conversations and the responses it generates. Additionally, it uses public content from Facebook and Instagram to train and improve its artificial intelligence models.
How Meta AI Uses Your Data
Meta AI's data collection practices mean that user information from Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp is already being used to develop its AI services. The company explicitly states it does not use private messages between users for training its AI models. This differs significantly from direct conversations with Meta AI. Data from individuals under 18 years old is also excluded from this training process. However, all other interactions and public content contribute to its learning algorithms. This continuous data input helps Meta refine its AI capabilities, making the chatbot more responsive and integrated.
Opting Out of Data Sharing
Users must actively opt out if they do not want Meta to use their data for AI training. Meta assumes consent for data sharing unless users formally reject it. Opting out now will protect new posts and interactions. It will not, however, safeguard data already shared, as Meta may have already used it. The company also warns that some information may still be processed even after opting out. This includes instances where a user or their information appears in publicly shared images or mentions on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
Steps to Protect Your Information
Barcelona residents can take specific steps to prevent Meta from using their data. For Instagram, users can fill out a dedicated form. This form requires the email address linked to their account. The section asking "how this process affects you" is optional. After submission, users receive a confirmation email. This method also applies to accounts within the "Account Centre" linked to the submitted account. Users can also access the form through their profile. Navigate to the three horizontal lines icon at the top right, then select "Settings and Activity." Under "More Information and Help," choose "Information," then "Privacy Policy." Inside, find the link that says "Oppose it" where Meta explains its AI data use.
The process for Facebook is similar to Instagram. Users can access a direct link, which prompts them to log in with a registered account. This link leads to the same form used for Instagram. Enter your email address and submit it. The email field should auto-populate if you log in first. Another option involves navigating through "Settings and Privacy," then "Privacy Centre," and finally "Meta Generative AI." There, users will find the link to opt out.
WhatsApp Users Face Limitations
Currently, WhatsApp users cannot disable the Meta AI assistant. The Catalan Cybersecurity Agency recommends not using the feature at all within WhatsApp. This advice aims to minimise potential data exposure. Users should remain vigilant about their digital privacy across all platforms. Understanding these settings helps protect personal information in an increasingly connected world.
As digital platforms continue to integrate artificial intelligence, users in Barcelona and beyond must stay informed about their data rights. Taking proactive steps to manage privacy settings is critical. This ensures personal information remains secure from unintended use.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
