Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram users on alert: Your Meta AI chats now shape your ads?

THAT BLUE CIRCLE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM ISN'T JUST HELPING, IT'S WATCHING WHAT YOU TYPE

- By Prasad Perera (Exploring Tech, Media and Online Safety)

How many of you have already seen that Meta AI Agent (purpleblue circle) appear on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp? Meta AI is the company's new digital assistant, now quietly becoming part of your daily online life. Starting December 16, 2025, Meta will begin using your interactions with this assistant to shape what you see on its platforms. The company says this includes personalising your Facebook and Instagram feeds and showing adverts that better match your interests.

What's changing

According to Meta, conversations questions you ask this assistant, whether typed or spoken, will now help determine the kind of posts, reels, and adverts you're shown. For example, if you ask Meta's assistant about gym workout plans, you may later see ads for gyms and supplements, gym-related posts from friends, or suggestions for workout routines and fitness groups to join. Meta claims the update will make its apps more relevant and useful. The company began sending notifications about the change on October 7, 2025, giving users advance notice before the Privacy Policy update takes effect on December 16, 2025.

With over 1 billion monthly users worldwide, Meta's assistant has become a major part of daily digital life. The company's motivation is clear: it earned $46.5 billion from advertising in one quarter, a 21% jump from the year before, showing just how valuable your data has become.