Facebook is testing a feature that allows AI to process photos from users' galleries before they are published

According to TechCrunch, Facebook is currently experimenting with a new feature that allows Meta's artificial intelligence to analyze users' photos before they're uploaded to the social network. It has been reported that when uploading a new story to Facebook, a message may appear offering to allow the service to create collages, stories, and photo redesign options based on the user's gallery.

By giving permission, the user accepts Meta's terms, which allow their AI to analyze data from unpublished photos — including facial features, the date the photo was taken, and the presence of other people or objects in the frame. In addition, the company is given permission to store and further use this personal data. Although Meta assures that the processing of files will not be used for advertising purposes, there is still a risk that the company will use users' personal photos to train its AI models.

The company denies any such intentions. Meta representatives told The Verge that these photos are not currently used to train artificial intelligence models. Camera footage can only be used to improve the quality of personalized suggestions, but not to train AI models, the company said.

Meta says the feature is being tested on a limited scale, but reports of it have been circulating since earlier this year. Facebook users who previously consented to the processing of their gallery photos can opt out of the feature via the Help Center.