Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing criticism over its practices regarding the use of user data for AI training. Users report that the opt-out mechanism provided by the company is malfunctioning, raising concerns about transparency and user control over their data.
Meta recently announced it would be using user-generated content, including posts, photos, videos, and comments, to train its AI models. This announcement was met with mixed reactions, especially in light of previous controversies surrounding user privacy and data usage. To address these concerns, Meta provided an opt-out form, assuring users they could prevent their data from being used.
However, several users, including Nate Hake, publisher and founding chief of Travel Lemming, have reported that the provided opt-out link is broken. Hake shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the unresponsive form and the lack of action from Meta despite their promises to honor user choices. Other users echoed Hake’s concerns, criticizing Meta’s perceived lack of transparency.
Meta AI on mobile and desktop web interface.
A History of Data Usage and Regulatory Scrutiny
Meta’s use of user data for AI training isn’t new. As early as 2018, the company, then known as Facebook, disclosed its use of Instagram photos for AI training purposes. This foreshadowed the current situation, where Meta is heavily investing in AI and its insatiable need for data. This practice has drawn regulatory pressure, particularly in the European Union, due to concerns about copyright and user privacy.
In June 2024, Meta temporarily paused its plans to use EU user data for AI training. However, less than a year later, the company reversed course, announcing it would resume collecting user content, including photos, videos, comments, and chat logs, from users in the EU and the UK. Meta justified this decision by citing the practices of other tech giants like Google and OpenAI.
User complaining about Meta AI on X.
Broken Promises and User Frustration
In April 2025, Meta pledged to inform users in the EU and UK about its revised AI training policy. This involved in-app notifications and emails containing a link to an opt-out form. The company emphasized the accessibility and clarity of this form.
Meta
However, the current situation contradicts these assurances. The non-functional opt-out link raises questions about whether the issue is a technical glitch or a deliberate attempt to circumvent user choice. Hake’s experience, where Meta refused to take further action on his request, further fuels these concerns.
Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Meta’s claims of transparency regarding its AI training practices are being challenged by the reported failures of its opt-out system. Users are demanding greater control over their data and accountability from the company. The malfunctioning opt-out form, coupled with the lack of responsiveness from Meta, undermines trust and raises serious questions about the company’s commitment to user privacy. Addressing these issues and ensuring a functional and accessible opt-out mechanism are crucial for regaining user trust and promoting ethical AI development.
