If you've ever shared something on the internet, such as a tweet, blog post, review, or selfie, chances are it has been used to train generative AI models like ChatGPT and image creators. Tech companies have gathered massive amounts of data from the web without much consideration for content creators, copyright laws, or privacy. In addition, some companies are now looking to profit from this data by selling or licensing it during the AI boom. However, amidst lawsuits and investigations into generative AI and its data practices, there are some efforts to give people more control over their online content. Certain companies now offer the option for individuals and business customers to opt out of having their content used in AI training or sold for that purpose. However, it's important to manage expectations because many AI companies have likely already collected and used the data posted online.

Companies are often secretive about their data collection practices, making it difficult for individuals to fully understand the permissions they have agreed to and how their data is being utilized. Additionally, with copyright and privacy laws in place, the process of opting out of AI training data can be complex and demanding. While there are technical methods to remove data from AI systems or "unlearn" it, little is known about the specific processes involved. Options for data removal are often hidden or require significant effort. Thus, the task of removing posts from AI training data is likely to be challenging. Companies that offer opt-outs for future data scraping or sharing typically require users to opt-in by default, adding further complications.