Meta is introducing a new AI-powered feature for Facebook designed to make sharing photos and videos easier—but it’s already raising some privacy concerns.
The new tool invites users to continuously upload their camera rolls to Meta’s servers, where an AI system analyzes the images and videos to identify “moments worth sharing.” From there, the AI proposes content ideas, creative edits, and even collages to help users make their posts stand out. The feature is opt-in and currently available in the U.S. and Canada, according to Meta.
This feature expands on Meta’s AI photo initiative launched in June, when Facebook began testing “cloud processing” prompts that asked users to give Meta permission to scan their photo libraries. Those early tests sparked some backlash after reports surfaced that Meta might be indexing users’ photos without transparent consent.
How Meta’s New AI Feature Works
Meta claims the new feature uses AI to surface “hidden gems” buried in users’ camera rolls—photos and clips obscured by screenshots, receipts, or random snapshots. “With your permission and the help of AI,” Meta says, “Facebook can automatically highlight memorable moments and offer edits you might want to save or share.”
Meta emphasizes that photos uploaded through the feature won’t be used for ad targeting, and that all processed content is reviewed for “safety and integrity purposes.” The company also insists that users retain full control over what is ultimately shared: all AI suggestions remain private until the user decides to post them.
When Meta Uses Your Photos to Train AI
Here’s the catch: while Meta says it won’t use your camera roll content to train its AI models by default, that changes once you edit photos or videos with Meta’s AI tools or share AI-generated content. In those cases, Meta’s systems may retain and analyze your media to improve its AI.
That’s where privacy advocates are raising concerns. Granting continuous access to your camera roll gives Meta enormous visibility into your personal content—including potentially sensitive screenshots, passwords, or private documents stored as images. While Meta says users can disable the feature anytime, it’s unclear whether already-uploaded photos can be permanently deleted from Meta’s servers.
In June, Meta told The Verge that some data linked to these uploads might be retained for over 30 days, though the company did not specify exactly what data or for how long.
As Meta continues weaving AI deeper into its ecosystem, this feature underscores the tradeoff users face: convenience and creativity on one hand, and deeper data access on the other.
