Meta Platforms said Wednesday it will begin using people’s interactions with its generative AI tools to personalize content and advertising across Facebook, Instagram, and other apps starting December 16.
Users will be notified of the change beginning October 7. The company said there will be no option to opt out, though the update applies only to those who use Meta AI. Conversations with the AI, whether by voice or text, will be combined with existing data such as likes and follows to shape recommendations for Reels, groups, and ads.
For example, a user talking about parties with Meta AI could later be shown local party events, friends’ party updates, or ads for dresses and drinks. Sensitive topics such as religion, health, or political views will not be used for ad targeting, the company added.
“People’s interactions simply are going to be another piece of the input that will inform the personalization of feeds and ads,” said Christy Harris, privacy policy manager at Meta.
The rollout will cover most regions but exclude the U.K., the European Union, and South Korea. Meta AI now counts 1 billion monthly active users across the company’s apps. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the company’s annual shareholder meeting that the focus this year is on making Meta AI “the leading personal AI” with an emphasis on personalization, voice, and entertainment.
