Tom Brady, along with other celebrities like Jessica Chastain, Luke Evans, and Cynthia Erivo, recently shared a viral post on Instagram claiming that Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—would use users’ personal information and photos unless they reposted a legal-sounding statement to protect themselves.
The message implied that failure to share the post could lead to Meta assuming consent to use content, sparking widespread concern among followers.
The post read: “Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity, all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once, it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information, or photos.”
Despite the post’s ominous warning, experts quickly clarified that such declarations are ineffective. Reposting a statement on social media does not prevent Meta, or any other platform, from using user-generated content according to the platform’s terms of service, which users agree to upon signing up.
This type of viral misinformation has circulated online in various forms for years, but it gained more traction this time due to the high-profile celebrities involved, including Brady.
RELATED: Mark Zuckerberg Reacts to Elon Musk’s Latest Request to Fight
Brady’s post was especially noteworthy given his deeper ties to Meta. Last year, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was prominently featured in Meta’s launch of celebrity-based AI avatars. Brady’s likeness was transformed into a virtual chatbot known as “Bru,” designed to interact with fans by debating sports topics.
The AI-powered character quickly became popular among users, adding a layer of entertainment and engagement to the platform. Brady was reportedly paid millions for the use of his image and personality in this initiative.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced these celebrity avatars as part of an ambitious project aimed at making social media more interactive and dynamic. Users could “chat” with virtual versions of their favorite celebrities, blurring the lines between reality and AI. However, this innovation also raised questions about the ethical use of AI and how far it could go in replicating real human interactions.
The “Bru” chatbot version of Brady made headlines for more than just its novelty. It stirred controversy when it made bold remarks about former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, sparking a broader debate about the boundaries and potential risks of AI-generated content. The chatbot’s comments reflected how easily AI can influence public discourse, especially when backed by a celebrity’s name and image.
Brady’s involvement in Meta’s AI rollout, coupled with his recent social media post, has sparked further discussions about his understanding of the platform’s policies and AI technology in general. While his decision to share the viral post may have been driven by concern, it also highlights how even tech-savvy figures like Brady can be caught up in misinformation.
As Meta continues to develop its AI avatars and expand its technological reach, the intersection of privacy, AI, and user consent remains a critical conversation. Brady’s recent actions serve as a reminder of how much influence celebrities wield in shaping public opinion on these issues, even when their understanding of the technology may not be entirely accurate.
Whether through his AI avatar “Bru” or his social media posts, Brady remains at the forefront of a broader cultural dialogue about the role of technology in our daily lives.
