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Unauthorized Action, Entitlement to Protest: An Incident Involving Lack of Consent

Unsolicited action, permitted to protest: Performed an action without prior approval, yet the affected party has the option to voice objections.

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2 min read
Users granted no objections enable Meta AI to listen in starting late May.
Users granted no objections enable Meta AI to listen in starting late May.

Block Meta AI from Using Your Data Across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Here's what you need to do to safeguard your personal content from being used for Meta AI in Europe:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Facebook and Instagram

Meta offers a formal objection process, allowing you to exercise your right to object under Article 21 of the GDPR. Here's a simple guide to submit your objection:

  1. Log into your Facebook/Instagram account.
  2. Navigate to your Profile page.
  3. Click on the Gear Icon (or three dots on mobile) and select Settings.
  4. Find and click on Privacy.
  5. Look for the section titled How Meta uses information for generative AI models and features.
  6. Scroll down to find the Right to object section.
  7. Enter your email address associated with that account and submit the form.
  8. You should receive a confirmation email and a notification on your account.

By submitting this objection, you indicate that you don't want Meta to use your photos, posts, or other personal data for AI training. But be aware, content you're tagged in or mentioned by others may still be used unless they also object [2][4][5].

WhatsApp

While Meta doesn't use personal data for AI training on WhatsApp, you can still object to service-related data processing:

  1. Visit the WhatsApp objection page.
  2. Click on the option How can I make an objection to the processing of my information?
  3. Select I want to make an objection and submit.
  4. Provide your email address and the phone number connected to your WhatsApp account.
  5. Confirm and wait for verification, then follow the prompted steps.

Remember, this objection only covers service-related data usage, not AI training [3].

Important Points to Consider:

  • While the initial deadline to submit your objection was May 27, 2025, you can still submit it today, though data already used for AI training may not be removed retroactively [3][4].
  • Meta argues for a legal basis under “legitimate interest” instead of opt-in consent for AI training data use, granting you the right to object but not to entirely prevent use unless you do so promptly [1][4].
  • Objections don't guarantee complete exemption, particularly when it comes to data linked by others [2].
  • To strengthen your control, consider exercising other GDPR rights such as requesting all your data and withdrawing prior consents where applicable [4].

By following these steps for each platform, you can effectively object to Meta’s use of your data for AI training under GDPR.

  1. The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the European Commission's communication on the European Union's strategy for the environment, highlighting the importance of policy-and-legislation in regulating data-and-cloud-computing technology in the political landscape, particularly in the context of data privacy and general-news.
  2. Despite Meta's arguments for a legal basis under "legitimate interest" instead of opt-in consent for AI training data use, it's essential to understand that exercising your rights under GDPR, such as objecting to Meta's use of your data, can help maintain control over your personal content in data-and-cloud-computing environments, a critical aspect of today's technology-driven world.
  3. The European Union's strategy for the environment, including policies on data privacy, aims to foster a responsible and sustainable technology sector, recognizing the significance of data protection in the face of advancements in data-and-cloud-computing, politics, and general-news.

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