Instagram users have recently been caught up in a viral hoax involving posts that start with the phrase “Goodbye Meta AI.” The posts, often shared in Instagram stories, contain warnings about legal consequences and the use of artificial intelligence by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. The text urges users to repost it to prevent their personal data and photos from being used by Meta without permission.
Despite gaining widespread traction since early September, the message is, in fact, a hoax. Recent shares of the message on Instagram stories now come with a warning that the information is false. Users are directed to a fact-check on LeadStories.com, which debunks the claim that posting the statement can prevent Meta from using their data for AI training. The message is categorized as “copypasta,” which refers to text that is repeatedly copied and pasted online, often containing misleading information.
Meta defines generative AI as a form of artificial intelligence capable of producing new content based on instructions or queries from individuals or businesses. The company disclosed its data usage practices for AI training, emphasizing that it sources data from users’ public posts, interactions with AI features, and publicly available information from sources like databases and search engines. Meta’s privacy policy states that posts and comments with an audience other than “Public” are not utilized for training generative AI models.
Despite the viral hoax’s persistence, posting statements like “Goodbye Meta AI” does not prevent Meta from using data for AI purposes. The company’s generative AI features rely on various data sources, including public posts and interactions on Facebook and Instagram. However, accounts set to private are not mined for data to train generative AI models. Meta has yet to respond to requests for comment from ABC News regarding the viral hoax and its implications.
As social media platforms continue to combat misinformation and fake news, it is essential for users to be vigilant in verifying the accuracy of information before sharing it. The prevalence of copypasta content underscores the need for fact-checking and critical thinking when encountering sensational claims online. By promoting media literacy and responsible sharing practices, individuals can contribute to a more informed and trustworthy online environment.
While the “Goodbye Meta AI” hoax has sparked concerns about data privacy and AI usage, it also highlights the challenges of navigating digital landscapes where misinformation can easily spread. By understanding the mechanisms behind viral hoaxes and staying informed about online privacy policies, users can empower themselves to discern fact from fiction in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- Xbox Party Chat not working due to privacy settings glitch
- Weird invisible privacy setting that’s preventing me to talk from anyone.
- Privacy for the rich. In a record setting pace congress quietly passed a bill that makes it impossible to track private jets after billonaires like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift complain