Meta to Sell Targeted Ads Based on AI Chat Data: Users' Conversations Now Up for Sale

Meta Plans to Sell Targeted Ads Based on AI Chat Data Meta announced on Wednesday that it will begin selling targeted ads based on data collected from user interactions with its AI products. The company plans to update its privacy policy by December 16 to reflect the change, and users worldwide will be notified in the coming days. The new policy applies globally, except for users in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, where strict privacy laws prevent this type of data collection. Meta's core business has long relied on building detailed profiles of Facebook and Instagram users to sell hyper-targeted ads. The company offers advertisers a way to reach specific demographics and user groups. Meta AI, which has been used by over a billion people every month, will now be leveraged to build out those profiles. Users often engage in lengthy conversations with the chatbot, providing a rich stream of information that can be used for targeted advertising. Meta has largely given away its AI products for free but can now monetize them. "We're excited to bring this new capability to our advertisers," said a Meta spokesperson. "Our goal is to provide more relevant and effective ads for users while also increasing revenue for the company." Meta's decision to use AI chat data for targeted advertising has raised concerns among privacy advocates. "This move further erodes user trust in social media platforms," said a representative from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "Users should be aware that their conversations with AI chatbots can be used for commercial purposes." The update to Meta's privacy policy comes as the company continues to face scrutiny over its data collection practices. In recent years, Meta has faced numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions related to its handling of user data. Meta's move into using AI chat data for targeted advertising is a significant development in the tech industry. As more users interact with AI-powered products, companies are looking for ways to monetize these interactions. This trend is expected to continue as AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life. The update to Meta's privacy policy will be implemented globally, except for the aforementioned countries where stricter regulations apply. Users can expect to see changes in their ad experiences on Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks. Meta has not disclosed how it plans to use the data collected from AI chat interactions or how it will protect user privacy. The company has stated that it will provide more information about its data collection practices in the coming days. The implications of Meta's decision are far-reaching, with potential consequences for both users and advertisers. As the tech industry continues to evolve, companies must balance their desire for revenue growth with concerns over user trust and data protection. Meta's use of AI chat data for targeted advertising marks a significant shift in the company's business model. The move is expected to have a major impact on the way social media platforms operate and how users interact with them. The update to Meta's privacy policy will be closely watched by regulators, lawmakers, and industry experts. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, companies must adapt their business models to meet changing user needs and expectations. Meta has not disclosed when it plans to begin selling targeted ads based on AI chat data or how much revenue it expects to generate from this new stream of information. The company's decision to update its privacy policy is a significant development in the tech industry, with far-reaching implications for users and advertisers alike. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*