Meta Platforms will begin leveraging user interactions with its Meta AI assistant to personalize advertising, a practice legal despite privacy concerns.
Meta AI to Target Ads
Meta Platforms announced it will soon utilize data from user interactions with Meta AI to personalize advertising content, including both text and voice communications.
Privacy Concerns Raised
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, publicly addressed privacy concerns, assuring users that Meta does not actively listen through microphones. He stated, “I swear, we don’t listen to your microphone.”
Data as Currency
The change relies on direct access to conversations with Meta AI, marking a new stage in advertising profiling. Every interaction, from travel planning to shopping inquiries, can be used for ad targeting.
No Opt-Out Option
A controversial aspect of the change is the lack of an opt-out option for users. The function cannot be disabled in privacy settings, requiring users to cease using Meta AI entirely to avoid profiling.
Regulatory Hurdles in Europe
The rollout in the United States is planned for October 7th, with full implementation by December 16th. Europe’s implementation is more complex, pending compliance with regulations like GDPR.
AI-Driven Advertising Trend
Meta’s move aligns with a broader trend of monetizing artificial intelligence. Conversations with AI assistants are becoming a new source of data, potentially more precise than previous tracking methods.