1. Go to the Privacy Centre

Log into your Facebook profile, then navigate to your profile. At the top-right of the screen (on desktop) you’ll see a smaller icon of your profile picture – select it to open a dropdown menu. Select Settings & Privacy, then Privacy Centre.

2. Choose to object

In the Privacy Centre, you’ll see a notice in a box outline at the top of the page, which explains that Meta is using public information of those over 18 to train its AI tools. This box provides a quick overview of what Meta’s AI training involves; but the most important part is the second paragraph. which states you have “the right to object”. We’re going to do just that by clicking the hyperlinked (blue) “object”.

3. Submit your objection

You’re taken to a page called “Object to your information being used for AI at Meta”. This page provides further information on the kind of data Meta uses to train its AI. What’s important to note here is that Meta needs to accept your objection before it’s honored, and that your objection doesn’t cover photos, comments, or other data that others post about you. For example, if your friend posts a group photo with you in it, Meta can use that data unless your friend has objected, too.

To submit your objection, fill out the email address connected to your Facebook account – you need to submit separate forms if you have accounts tied to other emails. Next, fill out the “Please tell us how this processing impacts you” section, highlighting (briefly) the reasons for your objecting. My submission was accepted without filling this out, but I’m in Europe, where protections are stricter, so I advise filling this section out anyway.

Once done, select “Submit”.

4. Wait for confirmation

After submitting your objection, you need to wait for Meta to confirm that it will honor the objection. I received confirmation immediately, with a pop-up saying my objection would be honored and an email giving further details.

Once you get confirmation, you have successfully opted out of Meta AI on Facebook. Check out how to use Facebook dark mode next.

1. Go to Privacy Centre

Sign in to Instagram, then go to your profile. At the top-right of the screen (on desktop), you’ll see agear icon. Select the gear and a menu pops up on the screen. Select Settings & Privacy and you’re taken to a bigger settings page. On the left toolbar, scroll down to Privacy Centre , which you’ll find under More info and support.

2. Choose to object

In the Privacy Centre, you’ll see a notice in a box outline at the top of the page, which explains that Meta is using public information of those over 18 to train its AI tools. This box provides a quick overview of what Meta’s AI training involves, but the most important part is the second paragraph, which states you have “the right to object”. This is what we’re going to do: click the hyperlinked (blue) “object”.

3. Submit your objection

You’re taken to a page called “Object to your information being used for AI at Meta”. This page provides information on the kind of data Meta uses to train its AI. What’s important to note here is that Meta needs to accept your objection before it’s honored, and that your objection doesn’t cover photos, comments, or any data that others post about you. For example, if your friend posts a group photo with you in it, Meta can use that data unless your friend has objected, too.

To submit your objection, fill out the email address connected to your Facebook account – you need to submit separate forms if you have accounts tied to other emails. Next, fill out the “Please tell us how this processing impacts you” section, highlighting (briefly) the reasons you’re objecting. My submission was accepted without filling this out, but I’m in Europe, where protections are stricter, so I advise filling this section out anyway.

Once done, select “Submit”.

4. Wait for confirmation

After submitting your objection, you need to wait for Meta to confirm that it will honor the objection. I received confirmation immediately, with a pop-up stating that my objection would be honored and an email giving further details.

Once you get confirmation, you have successfully opted out of Meta AI on Instagram. Check out how to use Instagram’s dark mode next.