You now need to be more careful before sharing your private information when talking to AI chatbots. This is because Meta will start using data collected from users’ conversations with AI systems for ad targeting. Black Mirror truly has come true, and our conversations are now being listened to.
Meta AI Is Listening to Your Conversations: Collecting Data for Ad Targeting
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg says Meta AI was developed to “get to know you better.”
The ads you see on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads will now be inspired by your conversations. With the new policy, which came into effect on December 16th, users have no opt-out option. Only the European Union, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are exempt from this policy.
How Will Meta AI Ad Targeting Work?
Meta will analyze written and voice chats to determine users’ interests. If you talk about “nature walks,” you might see ads for hiking trails and hiking boots. Even your most casual conversation could turn into a shopping recommendation.
Users Have No Escape: Meta AI Is Everywhere
Meta AI, similar to ChatGPT, functions both as a standalone application and integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This means simply not using its standalone app won’t be enough to escape.
1 Billion Users Affected: Meta AI Usage Statistics
CEO Mark Zuckerberg states that people use AI for everything from everyday problems to getting personal support. Monthly accounts show that approximately 1 billion people interact with this chatbot.
Privacy Protection: Sensitive Topics Will Not Be Used in Ad Targeting
The company announced that it would be careful with sensitive topics such as religious beliefs, political views, and sexual orientation in ad targeting. On October 7th, notifications will be sent to users, showing that their conversations are the new “raw material” of the advertising world.
Meta AI Privacy Policy Change: What Should Users Do?
What should users do? In our opinion, there’s a logic: “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” In fact, we can say your data has become the product. This has been the case for years, as you can consider with WhatsApp. Meta’s new policy shows us that users need to be more careful when interacting with AI assistants. From now on, you will need to be more cautious when sharing any personal data that you deem risky.
