Meta finally gives users the option to prevent their images from being used in AI training
In a long-awaited move, Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—has announced a new update allowing users to opt out of having their photos and visual data used to train AI systems. The decision follows widespread criticism from privacy activists and regulatory bodies worldwide, particularly in Europe.
What was happening before?
Since the launch of the “Imagine Me” feature in Meta AI, users’ images from public accounts were automatically used to train the AI model to regenerate new personal images. This meant anyone could reference your public account and ask the AI to generate an image “in your style”—without your explicit consent.
The new update: How does it work?
With the latest update, owners of public accounts on Instagram can now disable the use of their images through simple steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
- Tap the main menu (three lines at the top)
- Select Privacy Settings
- Go to the “Sharing and Reuse” section
- Disable the option “Allow people to create content and reuse your content”
Important note: Private accounts and accounts belonging to minors are automatically excluded from this feature. If images of you have already been generated via Meta AI, you can delete them through the “Delete my AI photos” option in Meta AI settings.
Status in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most active Arab countries in using Facebook and Instagram, with over 30 million accounts. With Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizing the enhancement of digital privacy and protection of personal data through the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), this update is a positive step for Saudi users.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is actively working to regulate AI usage in the Kingdom, making it essential for users to be aware of these options to protect their digital privacy.
⚠️ Important points before disabling
- Final decision for the future: After disabling, Meta will not use your new photos to train AI
- Previous images: You need to manually delete them via the “Delete my AI photos” option
- Facebook as well: The same settings apply to Facebook and WhatsApp (to a lesser extent)
- No impact on experience: Disabling the feature does not prevent you from using the Meta AI assistant itself
- Update is gradual: Some accounts may not see the option immediately
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to disable this feature?
Anyone with a public account on Instagram or Facebook who does not want their photos and facial features used to train artificial intelligence. Privacy-conscious users, activists, bloggers, and celebrities are among those who would benefit most from this option.
Where are the settings activated?
Inside the Instagram app:
Profile → Main menu → Settings → Privacy → Sharing and Reuse. On Facebook, the settings are located in Settings → Privacy → Artificial Intelligence (Meta AI).
Is this update free?
Yes, completely free. There are no fees to disable the use of your photos. All you need is an active Instagram/Facebook account and access to the settings.
How long does the disabling process take?
It takes no more than 30 seconds to two minutes. The steps are simple and straightforward, and the result appears immediately after saving the settings.
How can I ensure the disabling was successful and previous photos were deleted?
After disabling the option, go to Meta AI settings and look for “Delete my AI photos” or “Your AI-generated content”. Click on Delete All. The generated images will disappear within 24 hours.
Summary
With the increasing use of artificial intelligence in our daily lives, controlling our personal data has become more important than ever. Meta’s new update gives you the freedom to choose whether your photos will be used to train smart models or not. In the Kingdom, with data protection systems in place, it is recommended that every user review and activate these settings to protect their digital privacy.
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