Meta’s New Privacy Policy Under Fire – What Users Should Know

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has once again come under scrutiny with its new privacy policy update in 2025. Users, regulators, and privacy advocates are raising alarms over how much personal data Meta collects, how it’s used, and whether individuals truly have control over their information.

What Changed in Meta’s Privacy Policy?

Meta’s updated privacy policy expands how the company can use user data across its platforms and future AI-driven services. Key changes include:

• AI Training with User Data: Meta has reserved the right to use user content (photos, videos, text) to train its AI systems.
• Cross-Platform Data Sharing: Data from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp can be combined more seamlessly for advertising and personalization.
• Location and Device Tracking: Expanded permissions for location tracking and device data collection.
• Broader Third-Party Sharing: Partnerships with advertisers and developers allow for more extensive data exchange.

Example: A user’s private Instagram story interactions could now inform the ads they see on Facebook or recommendations in Meta’s AI-driven products.

Why Privacy Advocates Are Concerned

Privacy experts warn that Meta’s approach raises serious concerns:

• Consent and Transparency: Many argue that users are not given clear, meaningful consent options.
• AI Ethics: Using personal data to train AI without explicit permission could violate emerging AI governance principles.
• Security Risks: The more data collected, the larger the risk in case of a breach.
• Monopoly of Data: Meta’s control of vast datasets could stifle competition and innovatiRegulatory Reactions
• The European Union is reviewing Meta’s policy for compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
• In the U.S., lawmakers are calling for hearings, citing risks to consumer privacy.
• Countries like India and Brazil are also considering stricter data localisation requirements

Regulatory Reactions

• The European Union is reviewing Meta’s policy for compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
• In the U.S., lawmakers are calling for hearings, citing risks to consumer privacy.
• Countries like India and Brazil are also considering stricter data localisation requirements

What This Means for Users

For the average user, Meta’s privacy policy means:

• Your data may be more deeply analyzed and monetized.
• AI-driven personalization may feel invasive or manipulative.
• Opting out is often limited or buried in complex settings.

How to Protect Your Privacy on Meta Platforms

While users cannot completely stop Meta from collecting data, they can take proactive steps:

1. Review Privacy Settings Regularly

• Limit ad personalization.
• Restrict app permissions.
• Turn off location tracking where possible.

2. Be Selective About Sharing

• Avoid posting sensitive personal details.
• Use private messaging apps with end-to-end encryption for sensitive conversations.

3. Manage Cross-Platform Data

• Disconnect third-party apps you no longer use.
• Review linked accounts between Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

4. Use Privacy Tools

• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Consider privacy-focused browsers and VPNs.

Comparing User Control Before and After the Update

Feature	Before Update	After Update (2025)
AI Training with User Content	Limited/unclear	Explicitly allowed by default
Cross-Platform Data Sharing	Restricted in some cases	Seamless, broader sharing
Location Tracking	Optional, app-level	Expanded to device/system level
Consent Transparency	Clearer opt-ins in some areas	More complex, less user-friendly

FAQs on Meta’s Privacy Policy

Q1: Can I stop Meta from using my data for AI training?
In most regions, users cannot fully opt out, though EU residents may have more rights under GDPR.

Q2: Will deleting my account erase my data?
Meta states data is deleted after account removal, but some information may remain for legal or business purposes.

Q3: Are regulators taking action against Meta?
Yes, multiple investigations are ongoing in the EU, U.S., and other regions

Q4: What alternatives exist for privacy-conscious users?
Platforms like Signal, Telegram, and smaller social networks prioritize privacy, but they lack Meta’s scale.