Facebook and Instagram Are Putting Limits on Photo Uploads for Texas Users

Facebook users may have already noticed some alerts on their devices. These will be telling the user that they're updating their Terms of Service (TOS), which a lot of users might just write off as a general update. But this might be one of Meta's (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) more sinister updates.

They want your social media uploads to feed their Artificial Intelligence, or AI.

While they're updating their TOS, Meta is sliding some smooth lawyer speak on AI. Which gives their AI the ability to use the pictures you're uploading too. It reads:

"Depending on where you are located, you may have the option to share images with AIs. Once shared, you agree that Meta will analyze those images, including facial features, using AI. This processing allows us to offer innovative new features, including the ability to summarize image contents, modify images, and generate new content based on the image."

Don't they make that sound fun? Like you're getting an awesome chance to give them the legal rights to your face for all of their AI needs?

But the governments of two states are actually punching back at Meta. Those states are Texas and Illinois. They're actually aiming to prevent residents of their states from getting fed to the Meta AI.

One of the lines in the new TOS says:

"You further agree that you will not upload images to Meta AI that you know to contain individuals that reside in Illinois or Texas, unless you are their legally authorized representative and consent on their behalf..."

It does sound like the Big Tech lobby is already working in Texas to reverse course on some of their AI work. But Illinois appears to be ready to double down by expanding AI regulations beyond social media.