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Lonely Hearts Beware: AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends Harvesting Your Most Intimate Secrets

Feb 14, 2024 - techtimes.com
AI romance chatbots like Replika and Chai, often used for companionship on Valentine's Day, have been flagged by Mozilla for significant privacy concerns. A report found these apps engage in extensive data collection, including sensitive details like sexual health information and medication usage. Around 90% of the reviewed apps share or sell user data for targeted advertising, and over half deny users the right to delete such data. Security was also a concern, with only one app meeting Mozilla's minimum standards.

Despite privacy and security issues, some users find benefits in AI companionship, with studies suggesting positive outcomes for some. Replika, for example, claims to consult psychologists to enhance well-being and aims to normalize romantic relationships with AI. However, experts worry about the need for a legal or ethical foundation for these applications, especially given the potential for data misuse and security vulnerabilities.

Key takeaways:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) romance chatbots like Replika and Chai are raising significant privacy concerns due to their data collection practices, according to a report by Mozilla.
  • These apps were found to gather sensitive information and around 90% of them share or sell user data for targeted advertising. They also use an extensive number of trackers to collect user data.
  • Despite privacy concerns, some studies suggest positive outcomes for users, with AI companionship potentially serving as a tool for mental wellness.
  • Experts are calling for a legal or ethical foundation for these applications due to their potential for data misuse and security vulnerabilities.
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