Social Media Platforms Are Using Your Data to Train AI Models. Here’s How to Opt Out

Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Sagar Sharma

In today’s digital world, social media platforms are not just places to share updates or connect with friends—they’re also using the information you post to enhance their artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Companies like OpenAI, LinkedIn, and Snapchat have openly admitted to using user data for AI development.

For example, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has acknowledged using publicly available content, including copyrighted materials, to improve its AI models. LinkedIn collects data from user resumes to refine its AI tools, and Snapchat leverages user selfies to tailor personalized ads, according to CNN.

These platforms pull vast amounts of data from user posts, such as real-time events and even slang, to train AI. While this helps make AI smarter, many users are concerned about their personal information being used without clear consent.

David Ogiste, founder of Nobody’s Cafe, pointed out the lack of transparency from these platforms. “There’s a lot of fear around AI, some justified, some not,” Ogiste said in an interview with CNN. “It’s on these platforms to be more open about how they use our data. Right now, I don’t feel that’s been done yet.”

Although some platforms offer ways to opt out of sharing data for AI training, there are still limitations. Public posts can still be accessed by third parties, and opting out doesn’t always mean past data won’t be used. Here’s how major platforms manage user data for AI:

• LinkedIn: Users can opt out of having their data used for AI training, but previous data may already have been used.
  
• X (formerly Twitter): Users must actively opt out to prevent their posts from being used in training AI models like Grok.
  
• Snapchat: Uses selfies for AI-generated ads but provides an option to opt out.
  
• Reddit: Shares public user data with third parties for AI purposes, but private content remains safe.
  
• Meta (Facebook/Instagram): Uses public data for AI, but private messages are not part of the training.

How to Protect Your Data

If you’re uncomfortable with your data being used for AI training, check each platform’s privacy settings and opt out where available. However, keep in mind that public posts are generally fair game for data collection.

As AI continues to evolve, so does the use of personal data. It’s crucial that social media platforms are transparent about how they use this data and give users easy ways to opt out. Until then, users should be mindful of what they share and stay informed about privacy options on each platform.