Snapchat has added a tool to its app that makes it possible to use a chatbot to kick off conversation on its app. The new tool called My AI chatbot has stirred controversy only days after going public.
Powered by ChatGPT, Snapchat’s My AI offers users the ability to customize the chatbot’s name, design an avatar, and bring it into conversations with friends. This feature allows users exchange snaps or chats with friends using the chatbot which blurs the line between humans and machines.
According to Snapchat, “My AI is an experimental, friendly, chatbot that can answer a burning trivia question, offer advice on the perfect gift for your BFF’s birthday and is there to help and to connect you more deeply to the people and things you care about most.” The tool is facing backlash from parents, Snapchat users and critics alike who are criticizing the app over privacy concerns, creepy exchanges, and no option to remove the feature from ones feed unless subscribing for a premium account. While Snapchat has warned against violating its community guidelines in the use of My AI, use, abuse and moderation of the tool will still be determined by the company.
TechCity recently reported the European Union’s Digital Service Act (DSA) whose aim is to give users of social media apps and minors more rights and protection and requires companies to provide robust content moderation tools, this new tool by Snapchat seems like an all new can of worms.
In its FAQs, Snapchat encourages users to inform people if they use My AI in generating content, but just as it is with ChatGPT, there is no telling who actually owns IP in this context.
Snapchat was one of the first to partner OpenAI when the company opened ChatGPT to third-party businesses.
