“Goodbye Meta AI”: How over 600,000 people, including celebrities, fell for a fake message on Facebook, Instagram – Times of India

Over 600,000 people, including numerous celebrities, have shared a false message claiming to prevent Meta from using their images for AI training. The message said that if users share it, Meta will no longer be able to use their information.
According to a report, film stars James McAvoy (known for playing Professor X in X-Men: First Class) and actress and singer Ashley Tisdale, as well as former NFL player Tom Brady, are among those who re-shared the fake “Goodbye Meta AI” message on Instagram stories.

What the fake “Goodbye Meta AI” message said

According to the screenshots and posts available on the internet, the message asked users to reshare it so that Meta will no longer be able to use their information to train their AI models.
Goodbye Meta Al. 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 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.
Here’s one of the posts:

The report said that many of these messages have labelled “false information” one of Meta’s third-party fact-checking sites.

What Meta has to say on this fake message

Meanwhile, Meta said that posting the message has no impact on any user’s privacy settings.
“Sharing this story does not count as a valid form of objection,” a Meta spokesperson told BBC.

How users can opt out of AI training

Users can opt out of this option through their account settings but sharing the message has no effect. The company clarified that it only uses publicly available data and not private data like DMs.
To opt out of Meta AI training on Instagram or Facebook, users can:
Go to Settings
Select About
Select Privacy Policy
Find the Right to object section, which includes a link to an opt-out form
Fill out the form, including country of residence, email address, and a reason for opting out
Confirm your request
Meta will reportedly review requests in accordance with data protection laws of the region or country.