You can opt out of Meta AI. Even though AI is a practical tool, if you prefer to keep your data private, you should critically examine its use.
Opt out of Meta AI: Data protection & deactivation
From March 2025, Meta AI will finally be available in Germany – after months of delays due to strict EU data protection regulations.
- Meta’s (formerly Facebook) AI assistant is now integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger and is designed to help users with everyday questions, content creation, and social interaction.
- Meta emphasizes that the AI has been adapted to comply with the GDPR.
- You can restrict data processing in the settings.
- You can opt out of Meta AI by deleting the chat or disabling the AI in the privacy options. The following sections explain how to do this for each platform.
Object to Meta AI on WhatsApp
There is currently no way to completely disable Meta AI on WhatsApp. However, you can take steps to minimize the feature and remove the chat from your overview (instructions also in the video above).
- Request data deletion: If you have already used AI on WhatsApp and wish to object to the use of this data, you can do so using a form on the Meta website.
- Delete chat: You can delete a chat by swiping left on the Meta AI chat in your chat list. Then tap “More/Delete” (Android). If you are using an iOS device, select “Delete” (iOS). Confirm your selection to delete the chat from your list.
- Archive chat: Alternatively, you can swipe left on the chat and select “Archive.” This will move the chat to the archived chats section. It will no longer be directly visible.
- No interaction: Avoid opening the Meta AI chat or mentioning the assistant in group chats with “@MetaAI” to prevent further AI interactions.
File an objection with Instagram
You can also file an objection on Instagram using the form mentioned above. However, you must be logged in as a user to do so. If your account has been deleted or if AI-generated personal data, photos, or videos on a third-party account are involved, it is not possible to file an objection. This applies not only to Instagram, but also to Facebook. In addition to filing an objection, you can do the following:
- Restrict personalized suggestions: Go to your settings under “Preferences → Feed” and disable personalized suggestions if this option is available.
- Minimize interactions: Ignore Meta AI in comments or direct messages and report unwanted content as disruptive. This sends feedback to Meta.
Appeal to Facebook
The same rules and requirements apply to Facebook as to Instagram. There is a form you can use, but you must be logged in as a user and the content you wish to appeal must originate from your Facebook account. Other ways to keep Meta AI at bay as much as possible are:
- Mute notifications: When Meta AI generates content such as post suggestions or comments, click on the three dots (…) next to the content and select “Mute notifications.”
- Disable AI suggestions: Navigate to your settings under “Preferences → Feed” and restrict AI-powered suggestions if your version allows this.
Objecting to Meta AI: The best reasons
There are several important reasons to object to Meta AI using your data to train artificial intelligence:
- Data protection and control over your own data: Once you object, your content published from that point on will no longer be used to train AI. However, data that has already been integrated will remain in the model and cannot be specifically removed for technical reasons.
- Lack of clarity and transparency: Meta has been criticized for using an opt-out procedure—those who do not actively object automatically consent. Many users do not even notice the notifications or do not understand them completely. Furthermore, it is unclear what data is actually used and how it is stored/processed.
- Risk to privacy: Public posts, comments, and reactions could be used permanently to improve Meta’s AI models without you having any influence on this afterwards. It is also not clear how secure your data is when used in Meta’s AI applications.
- Right to informational self-determination: Under European data protection law (GDPR), you have the right to object to the processing of your data. The use of personal data for AI training constitutes a serious intrusion, especially since targeted deletion from the model is very difficult or impossible.
- Lack of right to co-determination: Meta requires your consent and makes it difficult to object. Simple rejection is not provided for, which may violate the principle of voluntary consent under data protection law.
- Uncertainty about third parties: Even if you object, publicly visible content may also be collected by other AI companies for their own training purposes. The objection therefore only applies to Meta itself.
