Failed to meet the meta-AI deadline.
Training Meta's AI: What to Do After the Deadline
Meta can train its AI using data from Facebook and Instagram users who did not opt-out by May 26. However, the question remains whether this applies to all future content. If you missed the deadline, you can still influence the use of your data for future posts.
Since May 27, Meta can utilize any publicly shared posts, stories, comments, reviews, photos, or videos from adult users on Instagram or Facebook, for its AI training. Users who opted out prior to May 26 are excluded from this data collection.
For those who missed the deadline, the opt-out option remains available, but it only applies to future content, as stated by the Consumer Center NRW. In other words, an opt-out after the deadline will affect only the data you publish thereafter.
Opting Out for Future Posts
You can exercise your opt-out rights through an online form on both Facebook and Instagram. Upon successful opt-out, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be required to provide the email address linked to the respective service.
Personal chats on WhatsApp are not affected, so there is no opt-out option for them.
Legal Challenges Prior to the Deadline
Before the deadline, the Consumer Center NRW attempted to legally prohibit AI training with user content in an emergency proceeding but was unsuccessful. The Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled that Meta was allowed to use user posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI (Case No.: 15 UKl 2/25).
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Artificial Intelligence
- Meta Platforms
- Consumer Centers
Additional Options for European Users
European users who missed the deadline can still exercise their data rights by submitting an objection to Meta under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to prevent further use of their data for AI training purposes. Users can also request copies of all their personal data held by Meta and ask the company not to share or use that data for AI training. This process may be more complex and slower but remains a critical legal avenue for users concerned about privacy and AI training data use.
Being tagged in public posts can still mean your data is included in AI training, even if you do not post yourself. Meta does not guarantee that all opt-out or objection requests will be accepted, making early action essential.
In summary, after missing the May 27 opt-out deadline, users—especially in Europe—can still attempt to object under GDPR data protection rights, submit formal requests for data access and restriction, and remain vigilant by checking Meta’s AI data use settings. Active engagement and ongoing pressure on Meta and regulators remain important to influence how personal data is used for AI training going forward.
- The Commission, in its capacity as a regulatory body, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to artificial intelligence technology, specifically in relation to AI training, given the ongoing discussions surrounding Meta's AI training practices.
- As the implementation of AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent across various industries, there is a growing need for regulations to ensure the protection of workers, particularly those who may be at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation as a result of the use of AI, such as in medical imaging or nuclear power plants.
