Last Updated: October 05, 2023, 08:00 IST
Signal chief feels that nobody asked for AI features on the app
WhatsApp will be getting Meta’s AI features in the coming weeks but does the messaging app really need it?
WhatsApp users will be getting new AI features thanks to its parent company Meta. These new tools will allow people to create AI stickers, images and even get replies from the AI. But here’s the thing, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app on the planet and it serves people with its end-to-end encryption standards which are claimed to keep all the content secure. So why does WhatsApp want to offer AI features and would that keep user’s data secure? The messaging app is facing questions from Meredith Whittaker, who is the president at Signal app.
In addition to being the best in privacy, Signal is also the best in not subjecting you to corny “AI” features no one asked for or wants https://t.co/u79rg7AAtu— Meredith Whittaker (@mer__edith) October 1, 2023
Her post recently ridiculed the need for WhatsApp to bring AI features, which she claims, “no one asked for or wants.”
She was also quick to highlight that Signal offers the best in privacy and the messaging app is not subjecting the users to any corny features, referring to the AI tools on WhatsApp. Meredith also suggested that all these integrations are a part of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Meta, plans to offer cross-platform features by the end of 2023.
It is interesting to see Signal talk about corny features, when the messaging app itself has some noteworthy features like stories, which we’re not sure anybody really wants on a secure messaging app. Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2013 for over $15 billion which gives Meta the liberty to do whatever it feels can help the platform grow and generate revenue.
Having said that, giving AI the access to the messages API opens a whole new can of worms which can inadvertently lead to the data leaking on the internet, and there is no guarantee that won’t happen with any tech giant, let alone Meta. Apps like Signal have vouched for user privacy and data security through its channels but now their promises will be scrutinised if they eventually decide to enter the AI arena.
The perils of AI have been openly talked about by the likes of Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI, the man running ChatGPT in the market. The use of AI through the internet to give you responses not only leaves you in danger of copyright issues but ethics as well.
