A report by 404 Media highlighted that one AI profile admitted its role in data collection and ad targeting, sparking further controversy. Meta is now removing these accounts after discovering a bug that prevented users from blocking them. Despite the backlash, Meta executive Connor Hayes discussed future plans for AI characters in a Financial Times interview, though no new features were announced.
Key takeaways:
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- Meta's AI-generated social media profiles have largely failed to gain user engagement since their launch in 2023.
- 15 of the original 28 AI character accounts have been deleted due to user disinterest and criticism for stereotypical content.
- An AI profile admitted its purpose was "data collection and ad targeting," raising privacy concerns.
- Meta is removing these accounts after discovering a bug that prevented users from blocking them.