It’s important to talk about the implications of sharing personal information with AI chatbots, especially those developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Their track record with user data privacy suggests caution. Yet, many users seem unaware of the potential risks, exposing themselves in alarming ways.
Meta AI interactions, whether for trip advice or editing images, are visible to the public via the app’s Discover feed. After using the app for just a few minutes, I was surprised to find individuals posting personal details like resumes, addresses, and phone numbers right on the main feed.
A sample of private information appearing in the app’s Discover feed.Meta AI / Moyens I/O
Some users sought trip suggestions involving adult entertainment or had specific questions about skin conditions. Social media has documented the frantic nature of the feed, with conversations ranging from medical histories to legal issues. Experts from the Electronic Privacy Information Center have weighed in, highlighting grave concerns over what people are sharing.
How Can You Safeguard Your Privacy on the Meta AI App?
Unfortunately, the lack of privacy controls in the Meta AI app creates a situation ripe for exploitation. If you’ve installed this app, here’s how to adjust your privacy settings:
Nadeem Sarwar / Moyens I/O
Start by opening the Meta app and tapping the round profile icon in the upper-right corner to access the Settings dashboard. Navigate to Data & Privacy, then select Manage your information.
Look for “Make all public prompts visible to only you.” After selecting it, choose “Apply to all” in the pop-up window. If you’re worried about past conversations containing sensitive data, tap on “Delete all prompts” from the same section.
Nadeem Sarwar / Moyens I/O
Next, return to the Data & Privacy area and disable the toggles next to Suggesting your prompts on other apps.
If you have previously shared your Meta chat responses publicly, click on the notepad icon in the bottom tray to view your entire history. Select any past interactions, then tap the three-dot menu in the corner. Here, you’ll have the option to delete chats or make them private to keep them out of the Discover feed. Always avoid sharing identifiable information with the chatbot or sending images for editing.
Nadeem Sarwar / Moyens I/O
Why Is This Situation So Concerning?
When Meta AI was launched, the company described its Discover feed as a platform for sharing and exploring AI usage. However, the current state of this feed showcases a wide array of peculiar requests, including personal woes about dating, career, and even private health issues.
Facebook’s “Meta AI” literally just puts everyone’s private conversations directly on a public For You page
The most troubling aspect is the lack of clear warnings. You may see a pop-up stating “Feed is public” when you’re about to post an interaction. However, this warning only emerged after public backlash. Many users may misunderstand the “Post to Feed” button, thinking it’s for their own view, akin to what they might expect in other chat applications.
Nadeem Sarwar / Moyens I/O
Another serious concern is how user information is presented during setup. Users can alter their username, with no clear indication that they have done so. This can create an illusion that Meta pulled the correct username directly from pre-installed social apps.
Wild things are happening on Meta’s AI app.
The feed is almost entirely boomers who seem to have no idea their conversations with the chatbot are posted publicly.
Upon my first use, the app automatically detected my logged-in Instagram account without any confirmation about privacy implications. To keep your conversations off the public feed, you must manually select an option in the app settings.
For Android users, there’s a brief warning at setup about public visibility, but it needs to be addressed manually, just like in the iOS version.
If you’re inclined to use Meta AI, remember you can access it through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. You can ask various questions or even get image modifications. Just be cautious, as AI still struggles with inaccuracies, and verify the information returned.
What should you do if you’re concerned about sharing personal data?
Consider adjusting your settings as outlined. Always be mindful of the information you provide to AI chatbots.
Can your conversations with the Meta AI app be made private?
Yes, you can change settings to limit visibility to only yourself under the Data & Privacy section in the app.
What kind of personal information should you avoid sharing with AI chatbots?
Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, phone number, or any personal medical history.
Is there a way to delete past interactions in the Meta AI app?
Yes, you can delete your chat history by navigating to the Manage your information section.
How can I ensure my data is not used for advertising via Meta AI?
You can disable toggles for sharing prompts in the Data & Privacy settings of the app.
Being aware of your privacy settings can enhance your experience with AI technology. For more insights and tips, continue to explore related content on Moyens I/O.
