NEW YORK, Oct 2:  Meta Platforms announced on Wednesday that beginning December 16, it will use users’ interactions with its generative AI tools to personalize content and advertisements across its apps, including Facebook and Instagram.

Starting October 7, users will be informed about these changes, but will not have the option to opt out. This update applies only to those who engage with Meta AI features.

Meta explained that users’ interactions with its AI, whether via voice or text, will be combined with existing data like likes and follows to tailor content and ad recommendations, including Reels and advertisements. For example, a user discussing hiking with Meta AI might later see hiking-related groups, friends’ trail updates, or ads for hiking boots.

“People’s interactions simply are going to be another piece of the input that will inform the personalization of feeds and ads,” said Christy Harris, Meta’s privacy policy manager. “We’re still in the process of building the first offerings that will make use of this data.”

Meta clarified that conversations on sensitive topics such as religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political views, health, or racial and ethnic origin will not be used to target ads.

The rollout will start on December 16 in most regions but will exclude the UK, the European Union, and South Korea.

Meta AI currently has 1 billion monthly active users across the company’s family of apps.

At Meta’s annual shareholder meeting this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company’s focus on enhancing Meta AI to become the leading personal AI, with an emphasis on personalization, voice conversations, and entertainment.

Last month at the annual Connect conference, Meta unveiled its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display.

Meta’s initiative to use AI chat interactions for ad personalization comes as other tech giants like Google and Amazon are also monetizing AI tools, often via cloud services. However, few have integrated AI chat interactions to personalize content and advertising across multiple platforms at the scale Meta aims to achieve.