Facebook owned by Meta, is asking users to allow the app to access and upload photos
from their phones to generate AI-based suggestions for collages, recaps, and other content even if those images haven’t been shared on the platform.
As reported by TechCrunch, users are receiving a new pop-up when creating a Story that requests permission to “allow cloud processing.” This permission enables Facebook to scan media from a user’s camera roll and upload selected files to Meta’s cloud using data such as time, location, and themes. The company says only the user will see these suggestions and that the content will not be used for ad targeting. However, it may be scanned for safety and integrity purposes.
If users accept, they also agree to Meta’s AI terms, which include analyzing images and facial features. Meta notes on a help page that the feature is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada, and that users can opt out at any time.
This move highlights how tech companies are rapidly integrating AI tools, often raising questions about data privacy. Meta claims the uploaded data will not be used for targeted advertising, but experts remain cautious. Even with user consent, it is unclear how long the media will be stored, who can access it, or how it could be used beyond the intended purpose. Cloud-based facial recognition and embedded metadata like timestamps and locations present additional risks.
While the company says AI-generated suggestions are meant to enhance user experience, the approach may also contribute to building detailed user profiles or training AI systems in the background. It’s similar to handing over your photo gallery to an algorithm that learns your habits and preferences over time.
Recently, Meta received approval from the Irish Data Protection Commission to use public data from adult users across its platforms in the EU for AI training. In contrast, it paused the rollout of generative AI features in Brazil following privacy concerns from the government.
Meta has introduced other AI tools across its platforms as well. On WhatsApp, it recently launched a feature that summarizes unread messages using a method called Private Processing, which it says is privacy-focused.
This trend reflects a broader shift in tech, where companies combine convenience with constant tracking. Features that seem helpful, like automatic collages or smart story ideas, often depend on AI systems that monitor activity on devices, not just in the app. Because of this, transparent privacy controls and stronger user consent measures are becoming more important.
Facebook’s AI rollout also comes at a time when global scrutiny around data privacy is growing. Germany's data regulator recently asked Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app, from their stores due to violations of EU data protection laws. The watchdog said DeepSeek sends user data including chats, uploaded files, and location details to servers in China, without ensuring EU-level privacy standards.
In a related development, OpenAI signed a $200 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop AI prototypes aimed at improving military and administrative operations, such as healthcare for service members, acquisition data analysis, and proactive cybersecurity.
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