Meta Introduces Opt-In Camera Roll Scanning for AI Content Suggestions
Meta has launched a new Facebook feature in the U.S. and Canada that scans users’ phone camera rolls to create AI-powered edits, collages, and video recaps. The tool requires explicit consent and stores uploaded media for up to 30 days, with private photos excluded from AI training unless shared or edited.
Facebook adds AI camera-roll scanning feature
Launches in U.S. and Canada first
Users must give clear opt-in consent
Media processed securely in Meta’s cloud
Private uploads not used for ads
AI trains only on shared content
Camera-roll data deleted after 30 days
Global expansion planned for early 2026
Meta has rolled out a new opt-in feature on Facebook for users in the United States and Canada that scans the phone’s camera roll to suggest edits, collages, and themed video recaps. All media processing occurs in Meta’s cloud, and nothing is shared or used for AI training unless the user chooses to edit or post the content.
Feature Overview
When enabled, the AI tool uploads unseen photos and videos from the device to Meta’s servers. It identifies notable moments among everyday snapshots—such as screenshots and receipts—and generates ready-to-share content. Suggestions appear under Stories, Feed recommendations, and the Memories tab.[1][2][3]
Privacy Controls and Consent
Users must explicitly opt in via a clear in-app dialog explaining “cloud processing” of camera-roll media. Meta states that private uploads are not used for ad targeting. The company will train its AI on camera-roll images only if a user edits media with Meta’s AI tools or shares the result.[4][5][6]
Opt-Out Steps
Open Facebook Settings
Tap Camera Roll Suggestions
Toggle off Allow Cloud Processing[7][8]
AI Training and Data Usage
Public-post training: Meta confirmed its AI models have been trained on publicly shared Facebook and Instagram content since 2007.[9][10]
Private-media exception: During a June 2025 test, Meta said unposted private photos would not be used for AI training but left open future use. The current rollout clarifies that private camera-roll media is excluded unless edited or shared.[11][12][13]
Data retention: Camera-roll uploads are stored for up to 30 days before automatic deletion.[14][15]
Regional Availability and Future Plans
Now live: United States and Canada as of October 17, 2025.[1][4]
Upcoming tests: Meta plans to expand to additional countries in early 2026. No firm global rollout date has been provided.[16][17]
Comparison of Media Sources and AI Use
Media Source
AI Training Use
Retention Period
Public Facebook posts
Yes (since 2007)
Indefinite per policy
Public Instagram posts
Yes (since 2007)
Indefinite per policy
Camera-roll uploads
No unless shared
30 days
Posted and edited media
Yes
Indefinite per policy
Key Facts at a Glance
Opt-in only for camera-roll scanning
Consent required; clear dialog text
No ad-targeting from private media
AI training on private images only after user action
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.
Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI.
Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.
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The site aims to provide both breaking news and long-form journalism, with a focus on how technology is changing society.
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Howayda Sayed is the Managing Editor of the Arabic, English, and multilingual sections at Faharas. She leads editorial supervision, review, and quality assurance, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and adherence to translation and editorial standards. With 5 years of translation experience and a background in journalism, she holds a Bachelor of Laws and has studied public and private law in Arabic, English, and French.
