Meta collecting your data isn’t new — but now, your Meta AI chats are part of the equation. The company is reportedly using conversations from Meta AI to improve ad targeting across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. While you can’t completely opt out, there are still ways to reduce how much data Meta can use against you.
Why Meta Wants Your Chat Data
Meta’s entire business model revolves around targeted advertising. It uses your activity across its platforms to show you “personalized” ads — the ones that sometimes feel a little too accurate.
Now, Meta AI chats are being added to that system. For example, if you chat about workouts or meal plans, expect to see ads for fitness gear, gyms, or diet supplements on Instagram and Facebook soon after.
Even private chats aren’t fully protected. And unlike some platforms, Meta isn’t currently offering a clear way to opt out of this data collection.
Who’s Affected and When
The new data policy is expected to take effect globally on December 16, 2025, although users have already started receiving notifications. People in the UK, European Union, and South Korea are exempt for now, thanks to stricter privacy laws.
What You Can Do About It
You can’t fully block Meta from collecting chat data, but there are steps you can take to limit exposure.
1. Delete Your Meta AI Chats
Removing your chat history can stop Meta from using old data for targeted ads.
To delete your chats:
- Open Meta AI.
- Tap the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
- Go to Settings → Data & privacy → Manage your information → Delete all chats and media.
If you want to save your content first, tap Download your information before deleting anything. This step won’t delete your Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp data, but any Meta AI content shared on those platforms will also be removed.
Once done, it’s best to stop using Meta AI completely if you want to stay off their radar.
2. The Nuclear Option: Delete Your Account
Meta doesn’t currently allow users to delete just Meta AI — it’s tied to your main Facebook or Instagram account. The only guaranteed way to stop data collection is to delete your Meta accounts entirely.
If you’re ready to take that step, make sure to download all your data (photos, messages, and media) before deletion. While Meta claims to fully remove your data, it’s likely some traces remain — but at least you’ll no longer be feeding them new information.
For WhatsApp users, simply disable Meta AI within the app so it’s not linked to your account.
If you still want access to an AI chat tool without data mining, try Ask Brave or Proton’s Lumo, which are known for their privacy-friendly policies.
3. Create a Separate Instagram Account
If deleting your main Meta account isn’t realistic, you can still reduce tracking with a little workaround — create a new Instagram account just for Meta AI.
Facebook forbids multiple personal accounts, but Instagram allows you to have up to five accounts on the same app.
To create one:
- Open Instagram.
- Go to your profile and tap your username at the top.
- Tap Add Instagram account → Create new account.
Use this new account solely for Meta AI. Since it’s separate from your main profile, any ads that appear won’t affect your personal or work accounts.
