Meta will soon analyze users’ conversations with its AI chatbot to customize ads and content across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the company announced Wednesday. The move aims to deepen personalization by leveraging interactions with Meta AI – its generative assistant used by over 1 billion people – alongside traditional metrics like likes and shares.
Starting December 16, 2025, discussions about topics such as travel or hobbies with Meta AI could trigger tailored recommendations for related products, groups, or posts. A hiker chatting about trails might see ads for gear or local outdoor events. Users will receive notifications about the policy shift beginning October 7.
Christy Harris, Meta’s privacy and data policy manager, emphasized transparency: “We want users to understand these changes well in advance.” Europe and the UK will see delayed implementation due to stricter data regulations.
While sensitive topics like health, politics, and religion won’t influence ads, users cannot opt out of data collection when using Meta AI. However, they retain control over feed personalization levels. WhatsApp interactions linked to Meta accounts will also factor into content curation.
The update highlights the growing role of generative AI in reshaping digital advertising while reigniting debates about privacy in an increasingly algorithm-driven social media landscape.
