Snapchat’s recent AI glitch, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, left users anxious as the AI posted an unexpected story and stopped responding. This incident sheds light on the unpredictability of AI and its potential privacy implications.
Understanding Snapchat’s My AI Feature and the Glitch
Snapchat’s My AI feature, introduced on May 31, allows users to interact with a generative AI bot by sending it snap texts. This AI is designed to engage in conversations, offer recommendations, and provide personalized responses. However, a recent glitch on August 15 caught users off guard. The AI posted a flat image that resembled ceilings, causing privacy concerns among users. When questioned, the AI only responded with a technical issue message.
Snap officials quickly clarified that the glitch was resolved and not an instance of the AI working autonomously. Such aberrant behavior in AI is referred to as “hallucination,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of AI.
Snapchat’s History of Data Protection Concerns
Snapchat has a history of data protection breaches. In the past, the company faced incidents where cyber attackers exposed employee payroll data and inadvertently revealed the installation of image recognition AI on users’ devices. Former employees also disclosed that user details could be accessed through an internal tool.
Reactions and Safety Measures
Users expressed anger and called for the removal of the My AI feature, which remains pinned at the top of the chat feed. Despite its popularity, this glitch added to existing concerns about the AI’s safety. Early reviews noted instances of inappropriate responses by the bot. Snap responded by implementing safeguards and parental controls.
AI’s Impact on Data Safety
Snap’s review revealed that millions of users engaged with My AI, making it a highly used consumer chatbot. However, the recent glitch raises questions about the bot’s data usage and privacy implications. The AI collects data from millions of teenaged users, highlighting the need for stricter data protection measures.
In conclusion, Snapchat’s AI glitch serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by AI’s unpredictability and data safety concerns. As AI technology evolves, maintaining transparency, privacy, and safety remains paramount.
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