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Over the past 24 hours, a post has been circulating on Instagram claiming that users must share a statement to protect their personal data from Meta’s generative AI. The message, which has appeared across more than 607,000 Instagram accounts, reads:

“Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos.”

This message, however, has been confirmed as a hoax by independent fact-checkers and Meta themselves. According to the fact-checking organisation Lead Stories, the message is entirely fabricated, and sharing it will not protect your personal data in any way. They concluded:

“Fact Check: ‘Legal’ Statement Does NOT Protect User Data From Meta’s Generative AI — It’s Made Up.”

Despite being spread by some well-known personalities, including Kourtney Kardashian, who has since deleted the post, the message is simply a chain message with no legal or factual basis. If you’ve shared it, you can safely remove it from your profile, knowing it has no impact on your data privacy.