Snapchat Faces Backlash Over AI Chatbot’s Data Privacy. Snapchat’s recent introduction of an AI-powered chatbot. Known as “My AI,” is sparking concerns from both teens and parents over privacy, safety, and the potential influence on young users. The chatbot, which is designed to interact with users in a conversational manner. It has quickly gained popularity but also criticism for the potential risks. Associated with artificial intelligence interacting with a largely young audience.
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Since its launch, My AI has received mixed reviews. Snapchat positioned it as a tool to enhance the user experience. Allowing users to ask questions, receive recommendations, and engage in friendly conversation. However, many parents and digital safety advocates are voicing concerns. Over the chatbot’s ability to influence impressionable users and the lack of transparency surrounding the data collected from these interactions.
One of the primary concerns is the degree of personal data that may be accessible to the AI chatbot. Snapchat’s privacy policy allows the company to collect user data. Which can be used to improve AI interactions but raises concerns about potential exploitation. Experts caution that AI-driven conversations can inadvertently gather sensitive information from young users. Which could be misused if not properly safeguarded.
In addition, parents have expressed worries over the chatbot’s conversational nature. Fearing it might encourage dependency or blur boundaries for teens between AI and real human interactions. “We’re concerned that our children may be spending more time with a bot than with real friends or family,” said one parent. Some teens, too, have reported feeling uneasy about the idea of a bot having personal data on them. With some calling for more user controls to limit interaction or even disable the feature.
Safety organizations are calling for Snapchat to establish clearer guidelines around the AI’s usage and provide options for parents to oversee or restrict access. Some suggest that enhanced privacy settings and transparency about data usage should be a priority for Snapchat, especially given that a significant portion of the app’s user base is under 18.
As concerns continue to grow, Snapchat has responded by reiterating its commitment to user privacy and ensuring that its AI meets safety standards. The company has stated it is open to implementing more controls to enhance safety and protect younger users. However, as AI’s role in social media evolves, the debate over its impact on young audiences remains a pressing issue for both parents and tech companies.
