Meta has updated its privacy policy, changing how user data is used across its platforms. The company now confirms that conversations with its artificial intelligence tools may be used to personalize advertisements shown to users.
The update applies to Meta’s AI products, grouped under the name “AI at Meta.” These tools are built into widely used platforms and smart features, making the change far-reaching. Meta says the update is meant to improve user experience, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and data use.
What the Privacy Policy Update Means
Meta has updated its policy to allow the collection and use of prompts shared during conversations with its AI tools. These prompts include text messages, voice chats, images, questions, and other content from users. This change will affect the types of ads users see on Meta’s platforms by using data from AI interactions to create a more personalized experience, tailoring ads to individual preferences.
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Previously, Meta could collect data related to AI interactions, but the new update clearly states that these interactions can now directly influence advertising. This highlights a shift in how Meta uses user data for targeted marketing. “AI at Meta” includes chat features on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, along with several AI-powered tools in everyday applications.
Meta informed users about these changes through emails and in-app messages before the policy took effect. The company explains that the goal of collecting AI interaction data is to show users more relevant content and ads. This policy change shows Meta’s commitment to updating its advertising practices with advancements in artificial intelligence and raises important questions about privacy and data use today.
How Meta AI Conversations Shape Ads
The policy allows Meta to link conversations with its AI tools to ad personalization. This means topics users discuss with AI can influence the ads they see, not only on the same platform but across other Meta apps as well. During AI interactions, users often ask direct questions or share detailed interests, which can help advertisers create more tailored ads.
For example, if a user asks an AI tool for tips about starting a home garden, they may later see ads for gardening tools or plants while scrolling through social media. This happens even if the conversation took place in a different app.
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However, the policy has raised concerns about privacy and user expectations. Many people treat AI conversations as private and separate from regular online activity, similar to asking a digital assistant for help. Because of this, some users may not expect their discussions to be connected to advertising systems.
This gap between what users expect and how the data is used has caused unease. Some users may not realize that casual questions, personal interests, or specific needs shared with AI tools could later shape the ads they see.
Meta’s AI tools are used by more than one billion people every month. Due to this large number of users, even small policy changes can have a wide impact. Many users who rely on AI features for quick answers or assistance may become part of a new form of ad targeting without fully understanding how it works.
Rising Concerns About Privacy and Transparency
The updated policy has faced criticism from privacy and consumer advocacy groups, who say it could expand advertising surveillance without giving users enough control. A key concern is the lack of a simple opt-out option, with critics arguing that people should be able to decide whether their AI conversations are used for advertising, especially when those interactions may involve personal or sensitive information.
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Concerns have also been raised about transparency. Although Meta says users were notified in advance, some groups believe the policy language is difficult for the average person to understand. This can make it unclear what data is collected and how it is used for advertising purposes.
Advocacy organizations have called on regulators to review whether the policy complies with consumer protection rules. The debate reflects wider concerns about artificial intelligence and data use, as AI tools become more common in daily life and continue to reshape how user information is used in advertising.
