Posting ‘Goodbye Meta AI’ is pointless. But we can stop big tech stealing our Facebook pictures | Chris Stokel-Walker

Sharing these posts may seem harmless, but don't be drawn in. There are better ways to combat the threats to our data

If you've spent any time on Instagram or Facebook lately, you will probably have encountered concerned citizens sharing posts denying Meta, the parent company of both platforms as well as WhatsApp, the right to use their data to train AI systems.

If it wasn't your slightly oddball old schoolfriend who posted the message, which begins Goodbye Meta AI" and concludes I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos", then it'll have been a Hollywood celebrity. Actor James McAvoy and former NFL player Tom Brady are among those who have posted the disclaimer.