Meta AI App Under Fire for Privacy Concerns: Users Unknowingly Sharing Private Conversations

Meta’s new stand-alone AI app is facing scrutiny over potential privacy breaches as users are reportedly sharing their private conversations with the chatbot publicly, often without realizing it.

The issue arises from the app’s share button, which allows users to publish their AI interactions. However, it appears many are unaware that they are making these conversations, including text, audio clips, and images, visible to others.

The problem isn’t limited to harmless queries. Reports indicate that users have inadvertently shared sensitive information, including requests for tax evasion advice, concerns about family members’ involvement in white-collar crimes, and even character reference letters containing the full names of individuals facing legal troubles. Security expert Rachel Tobac found examples of people’s home addresses and sensitive court details being exposed.

TechCrunch reached out to Meta for comment, but a spokesperson declined to provide an official statement.

Critics argue that Meta has failed to adequately inform users about the privacy settings of the app and where their posts are being shared. This lack of transparency can lead to users unintentionally exposing personal information.

The situation has drawn comparisons to past privacy incidents, such as AOL’s publication of pseudonymized user searches in 2006, highlighting the risks of turning search engines into social media feeds.

According to Appfigures, the Meta AI app has been downloaded 6.5 million times since its launch on April 29. While this may be a respectable number for an independent app, it’s relatively low for a product backed by a major tech company like Meta.

As the app gains more traction, concerns are growing about potential trolling and the further spread of inappropriate content. The incident has raised questions about Meta’s approach to user privacy and the potential consequences of its AI initiatives.