Facebook app icon on a phone. Source : Pexels

Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) announced it will use public posts, photos and messages to train its new AI systems starting May 27 for Europe. In response, Meta provides an official objection form so users can ask that their data be excluded from AI training. In other words, everyone has the right to control their personal information, not just people protected by specific laws like the EU’s GDPR. Below are step-by-step instructions to find and submit this objection on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

How to Object on Facebook

1. Open Facebook (mobile app or desktop) and go to Settings & Privacy, then choose Privacy Center.
2. Scroll down to Privacy Topics and select the section labeled "AI at Meta".
3. Click Information you've shared with meta products (or a similar option). This will open Meta’s official objection form.
4. On the form, enter the email address linked to your Facebook account and briefly explain your objection. For example, you could write :

   I do not consent to my data being used for AI training.

5. Submit the form. Facebook will send a confirmation email (usually with a code or link) to verify your request. Follow the instructions in that email to finalize the objection.

How to Object on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Tap the menu (☰) and select Settings & Privacy.
2. Select Privacy Center, or tap About then Privacy Policy.
3. Find the section titled "AI at Meta" or look for a link called "Right to object". Tap Submit an objection request.
4. Fill out the form with your email and a brief explanation of your objection. For example :

   I do not consent to my Instagram posts or photos used for AI training.

5. Submit the form. Instagram will send you a verification email similar to Facebook’s process to confirm your request.

How to Object on WhatsApp

1. If you live in the European Region or UK (GDPR laws), open the form at this link : https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/forms/382532939919295
2. Select How can I make an objection to the processing of my information?
3. Select I want to make an objection, then enter you're email address, and your WhatsApp phone number.
4. Submit the form. WhatsApp will send a confirmation email to process your request, asking for further informations, such as information prcessing you want to object, etc.
5. Reply to the e-mail with all the details requested. For example, you could write something like this :

   Dear WhatsApp Privacy Operations, Thank you for your message. I am writing to formally object to the processing of my personal data based on legitimate interest, specifically regarding : the use of my personal data — including metadata, usage behavior, and interactions — for the development, training, or deployment of artificial intelligence systems, as well as for personalized or targeted advertising purposes. I estimate that this processing affects my fundamental rights to privacy and data protection. I do not consent to my personal information being used to train or enhance AI models, especially when such use is not transparent and lacks explicit consent. So, I request that WhatsApp cease all processing of my personal data for these purposes. Please confirm receipt of this objection and inform me of the actions you intend to take in response. Kind regards, [Name/WhatsApp phone number/country]

When sending this message, the support could reply with a message asking you if you want to be redirected to the meta support or stay with the WhatsApp support. In this case, you could reply with something like this, for example by invoking article 21 of the GDPR (if you're in the EU):

To clarify, my objection specifically concerns the processing by WhatsApp of my personal data — including usage data, metadata, and communication patterns — based on legitimate interest, for the following purposes: Improvement and development of services in a manner that could involve profiling or automated decision-making, Any data sharing with Meta Platforms for purposes not strictly necessary for the functioning of WhatsApp (including advertising, analytics, or AI training), Use of any part of my data to indirectly benefit Meta AI systems, regardless of whether I actively use Meta AI or not. I do not consent to such uses, as they affect my fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, particularly under Article 21 of the GDPR. I also object to any form of data sharing that may contribute to profiling or cross-platform behavioral analysis.

What to Write in Your Objection

Meta’s form may include a text box to explain why you object. You can keep your message simple and clear. For example :

To ensure my privacy, I kindly request that you exclude all my data, including posts, photos, and message content, from any future AI training.

Alternatively, you might simply write:

I do not consent to my data being used for AI training.

Both examples clearly state that your personal data should be kept out of Meta’s AI systems.

Your Privacy Rights

If you live in the EU or UK, GDPR gives you a formal right to object, which means Meta must comply. In other regions (such as the U.S.), the legal obligation may be weaker. However, submitting the objection is still a reasonable step to protect your privacy. Privacy advocates argue companies should require opt-in consent rather than opt-out, but Meta’s form lets you exercise your choice now. After you submit, Meta should not use your data for AI going forward.