Protests are intensifying against Meta's AI-based privacy policy. Several organizations have filed complaints with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) over showing advertisements based on users' messages, searches, and interactions.
Meta recently made a significant change to its privacy policy, impacting millions of users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. Under this new policy, the company will analyze user behavior, messages, queries, and activities on the platform using artificial intelligence (AI). Advertisements will then be displayed to users based on this information.
Critics argue that this change could pose a threat to user privacy, as metadata from conversations and interactions will now be used for ad targeting. Consequently, many are describing it as a “headache” for users.
How User Data Will Be Used Through AI
According to Meta’s new policy, data will be collected from activities such as questions asked, chats, voice messages, and media sharing on the platform. This data will be linked to user profile metadata and fed into AI systems to better understand user interests.
The company has already integrated its Meta AI into social media and messaging apps. Meta states that "AI at Meta" will show users advertisements aligned with their preferences. However, privacy experts believe that this process could indirectly utilize users’ personal information.
Personalized Ad Example Explained
Meta explained with an example that if a user asks Meta AI a question related to hiking or travel, they will be shown advertisements for hiking-related products on Facebook and Instagram, such as trekking shoes, bags, or other essential equipment.
The company claims this will prevent users from seeing advertisements they are not interested in. Additionally, users may receive advertisement information via email and in-app notifications. Meta says its goal is to improve the user experience and provide information about the right products at the right time.
Complaint Filed with the FTC
Protests have begun in the United States against Meta’s new privacy policy. So far, 36 consumer protection, privacy, and civil rights groups have filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These organizations state that targeting users through AI could violate fundamental privacy rights.
These groups have demanded that the FTC thoroughly investigate the policy and ensure that personal user information is not misused. However, Meta says the change was made to strengthen its revenue model while also showing users better and more useful advertisements.
Currently, debate continues regarding Meta’s new privacy policy, and the attitude of regulatory agencies in the coming times is considered important.
