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Important Points
- Snapchat’s My Selfie feature is powered by generative AI and automatically enables the company to utilize your selfies in personalized advertising.
- Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to opt out of this feature.
- It’s advisable to routinely check your privacy settings on social media platforms to safeguard your personal information.
Snapchat offers a variety of AI-driven features in its app, including a customizable AI chatbot and creative tools that enable users to generate and enhance their Snaps. While many of these features are designed for fun and engagement, one — My Selfie — grants Snapchat permission to use your image for personalized ads by default.
What Is Snapchat’s My Selfie Feature?
My Selfie is one of Snapchat’s AI features, allowing users and their friends to generate AI images based on their selfies. Upon first using this tool, you’ll be prompted to take a selfie. Snapchat will also suggest granting the app access to your camera roll for even more personalized and accurate AI images.
After completing this setup, a notification will appear stating: “By selecting Agree & Continue, you accept the My Selfie Terms and permit Snap and your Friends to use your likeness and My Selfies on Snapchat. This includes Snap utilizing your My Selfies to serve you personalized ads and enhance its machine learning models using My Selfie.”
While Snapchat does provide a warning regarding how your AI-generated images may be used, it can be easy to miss the fine details.
How to Opt Out of Snapchat Using Your AI-Generated Selfies in Ads
If you have utilized the My Selfie feature on Snapchat, you have automatically allowed Snap to use your generated selfies. Fortunately, opting out is possible. Follow these steps:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Tap your profile icon located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Find and select My Selfie.
- Toggle off the See My Selfie in Ads option.
You don’t need to sacrifice your privacy to enjoy your social life. If you are an active social media user but prefer to limit the information you share or the use of your likeness in advertisements, regularly checking your privacy settings and staying updated on any changes in terms of service will help protect your personal information.
Additionally, be cautious about common social media pitfalls, such as having a public profile or interacting with unfamiliar accounts, to further safeguard your privacy.