Image: WABetaInfo (edited) / Foundry
Meta has revealed plans to utilize content from your chats with Meta AI for personalized advertising on your smartphone or other devices.
The tech giant, formerly known as Facebook, has published a statement outlining this significant change in policy across its platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Starting December 16, Meta will begin monitoring your interactions with Meta AI to provide tailored advertisements, posts, and reels. The company claims this is intended to “enhance the user experience.”
“Whether it’s through voice chatting or text communication with our AI features, this update allows us to enhance the recommendations presented to users, ensuring they’re exposed to content that aligns with their interests,” the company explains.
Notifications regarding this update will start appearing for users from October 7. Here’s an example of what these notifications will look like:
Meta
Is it really such a shift?
Meta argues that this move parallels the existing processes of tracking when users engage with pages or post reels related to specific topics. However, the monitoring of both voice and text exchanges seems to present a notable distinction, even when interacting with an AI chatbot.
The company does indicate that users will retain full control over their ad preferences through the Ads Preference tool and other feed settings. Additionally, users can choose their interaction mode with Meta AI, whether via text or voice; there will also be an indicator light when the microphone is active.
Meta assures users that conversations covering sensitive topics—such as “religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political opinions, health conditions, racial or ethnic origin, philosophical beliefs, or trade union affiliations”—will not be utilized for personalized advertising metrics.
Nevertheless, many users may still wish for an opt-out option, which does not appear to be available at this time.
