Modern artificial intelligence technologies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, but alongside this, risks to personal privacy are also growing. A recent investigation by experts and a leak of internal documents from Meta have demonstrated that the new AI assistant Meta Muse engages in deep information gathering not only about users themselves, but also about their immediate social circles. According to the obtained data, the algorithms can access various aspects of people's digital lives.
The Essence of the Leak and the Scope of Data Collection
As became known through the analysis of system prompts and materials from independent researchers, a key task of Meta Muse is the hourly creation and updating of personal dossiers on every person who comes into the user's field of view. Notably, information collection is conducted even regarding individuals who have never used Meta services and have never given any consent to process their personal data. Artificial intelligence records names, communication formats, places of residence, professions, important dates, and the context of communication.
Contradictory Data
While independent researchers and security specialists are sounding the alarm over large-scale digital surveillance and the lack of direct consent from the subjects of the dossiers, official representatives of Meta Corporation categorically reject accusations of privacy violations. According to the company's version, all collected information is formed exclusively on the basis of public sources and data that users voluntarily share with the assistant. Furthermore, Meta claims that the gathered information is securely isolated in protected virtual machines of each individual account holder.
Consequences and Market Reaction
Such practices have already led to serious problems in the technology giant's interaction with partners and regulators. In particular, Amazon introduced a block in September preventing Meta Muse from making purchases in its online store due to concerns over the security of customer accounts. Ethics experts emphasize that the AI's desire to know every detail about people to create the illusion of friendly communication poses a dangerous trend and a troubling underside of modern free digital services.
