Celebrities Fall Victim to ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ Hoax as Fake Privacy Message Goes Viral

A viral hoax on Instagram has ensnared over 600,000 users, including high-profile celebrities like actors James McAvoy and Ashley Tisdale, and former NFL star Tom Brady. The misleading “Goodbye Meta AI” message falsely claims that sharing it on social media will prevent Meta, from using their images and data for AI training.

The Goodbye Meta AI hoax message, which many have shared on their Instagram stories, asserts that reposting it would revoke Meta’s permission to use personal data for AI purposes. However, this claim is entirely unfounded.

Meta has confirmed that users who wish to opt out of AI data training must do so through their account settings — posting about it does nothing to alter their privacy settings.

False Information Labels and the Spread of Misinformation

Lead Stories, one of Meta’s third-party fact-checking organizations, has flagged many of these posts as “false information.” The message appears to have emerged in response to Meta’s June announcement that it would use public posts to train its AI models.

Despite the viral nature of the Goodbye Meta AI hoax, Meta clarified in a statement that “sharing this story does not count as a valid form of objection.”. The misleading post first appeared on Facebook on September 1, before spreading rapidly after being shared by celebrity accounts.

Google Trends data shows a significant increase in searches for “Goodbye Meta AI” after September 24, indicating the influence of high-profile individuals in amplifying the false narrative.

History of ‘Copypasta’ Hoaxes and Public Privacy Claims

The spread of the “Goodbye Meta AI” hoax is the latest example of “copypasta” — a term for blocks of text that are frequently copied and pasted online. Fact-checking website Snopes has documented numerous similar incidents over the last decade, where social media users publicly declare their privacy rights in posts, mistakenly believing it will legally protect their data.

Despite the ongoing prevalence of such hoaxes, it is uncommon for so many celebrities to be involved in spreading misinformation. The involvement of high-profile accounts has fueled the spread of the message, demonstrating how quickly misinformation can take hold when amplified by influential figures.

Opting Out of AI Training: The Real Steps to Take

For those concerned about their data being used for AI training, Meta has outlined the correct steps. Users can opt-out by adjusting their privacy settings directly within their Facebook or Instagram accounts, not through public posts.

This process allows individuals to manage how their data is utilized in AI model development, ensuring their preferences are respected without resorting to misinformation. The rise of AI has led to increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and their data practices.

Earlier this week, LinkedIn reversed its decision to use public posts for AI training in the UK following public backlash, highlighting the growing tension between user privacy and AI development.

Conclusion

As social media continues to be a breeding ground for misinformation, users must remain vigilant and verify claims before sharing them. The “Goodbye Meta AI” hoax is a stark reminder of the importance of fact-checking.

This is especially true in an age where digital privacy concerns are ever-present. Celebrities and everyday users alike can be misled, emphasizing the need for accurate information and responsible sharing practices on social media platforms.

Promoting Responsible AI in the Face of Misinformation

The rapid spread of the “Goodbye Meta AI” hoax underscores the need for responsible AI practices and a better public understanding of how AI systems interact with data. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday technology, ODSC West’s Responsible AI Track will spotlight the critical role of ethical AI deployment in addressing global challenges.

Attendees will gain insights from the social sector on how data science is being used to tackle issues like climate change, agriculture, and disaster management. Get your pass today, and be at the frontlines of responsible AI.