Meta to Monetize AI Chat Data for Targeted Ads, Raising Privacy Concerns

Meta Plans to Sell Targeted Ads Based on Data from AI Chats Meta announced plans to use data from AI-powered conversations and other products to fuel targeted advertising across Facebook and Instagram, sparking concerns about user privacy. The policy change, effective December 16, excludes users in South Korea, the UK, and the EU due to stricter privacy laws. According to TechCrunch, Meta may show ads based on a user's conversation with its AI chatbot. For example, if a user chats with Meta AI about hiking, the company may display ads for hiking gear. However, Meta spokesperson Emil Vazquez told TechCrunch that the policy update is broader than just Meta AI and applies to other AI offerings, including voice recordings, pictures, and videos analyzed with AI from products like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The data collection will also include conversations with Meta's new AI-video feed, Vibes, and its AI image generation product, Imagine. However, users must be logged into the same account across products for their conversations to influence ads on Facebook and Instagram. Meta has "no plans imminently" to put ads in its AI products, though CEO Mark Zuckerberg has suggested they may be coming in the future. The company's decision to use data from AI-powered conversations raises questions about user consent and control over personal data. The policy change is part of a larger trend of tech companies using AI to collect and analyze user data for targeted advertising. This practice has sparked concerns about user privacy and the potential for biased or discriminatory advertising. Meta's decision to exclude users in South Korea, the UK, and the EU from the policy change highlights the complexities of global data protection laws. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, for example, requires companies to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting and processing their personal data. The implications of Meta's policy change are far-reaching and raise questions about the role of AI in shaping user experiences. As AI-powered products become increasingly integrated into daily life, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of using data from these conversations for targeted advertising. In a statement, Emil Vazquez said, "We're committed to transparency and providing users with clear information about how their data is being used." However, critics argue that Meta's policy change undermines user trust and highlights the need for more robust regulations around AI-powered data collection. The current status of the policy change is that it will take effect on December 16, excluding users in South Korea, the UK, and the EU. As the use of AI continues to grow, it remains to be seen how companies like Meta will balance user privacy with their business interests. In related news, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced plans to investigate tech companies' use of AI-powered data collection for targeted advertising. The FTC's investigation is expected to shed more light on the implications of this practice and potential regulatory measures to protect user privacy. As the world grapples with the complexities of AI-powered data collection, it is essential to engage in a nuanced discussion about the role of technology in shaping our experiences. By understanding the implications of Meta's policy change, we can begin to build a more informed and transparent conversation about the future of AI and its impact on society. *Reporting by Meta.*