Instagram Chief Debunks Microphone Conspiracy, Raises AI Targeting Concerns

Instagram Head Dispels Microphone Conspiracy Theory, But Raises Questions About AI-Powered Ad Targeting In a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Adam Mosseri, the head of the social networking giant, addressed a long-standing conspiracy theory that has been circulating online: that Meta is secretly using users' microphones to listen in on their conversations and target them with relevant ads. Mosseri's response came as the company announced plans to use AI data to improve ad targeting across its social apps. According to Mosseri, he has had numerous conversations with users about this conspiracy theory, including his own wife, who was surprised by how well Meta's ad targeting works. "I've had a number of conversations about this, and I think it's worth addressing," Mosseri said in the post. "We're not listening to your conversations through your microphone." However, the announcement of AI-powered ad targeting raises questions about whether Meta will still need to collect audio data from users' microphones to achieve such accurate recommendations. In a statement, a Meta spokesperson explained that the company's new approach uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user interactions with its AI products, such as chatbots and virtual assistants. "This technology allows us to better understand how users interact with our products and serve them more relevant ads," the spokesperson said. "We don't need to collect audio data from users' microphones to achieve this." The use of AI in ad targeting has been a growing trend in the tech industry, with companies like Facebook and Google using machine learning algorithms to improve their advertising capabilities. However, concerns about user privacy and data collection have also grown alongside these developments. Experts say that while Mosseri's response may alleviate some users' concerns, it highlights the need for greater transparency around AI-powered ad targeting. "The use of AI in ad targeting is a complex issue, and companies like Meta need to be clear about how they're collecting and using user data," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on AI and ethics. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it's likely that concerns about user privacy will only grow. Mosseri's response serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of AI-powered technologies. Background The conspiracy theory that Meta is secretly using users' microphones to listen in on their conversations has been circulating online for years. However, it was largely debunked by the company in 2018, when it released a statement explaining how its ad targeting works. Additional Perspectives Dr. Kim notes that while Mosseri's response may be reassuring, it doesn't address the broader implications of AI-powered ad targeting. "We need to have a more nuanced conversation about what this technology means for user privacy and data collection," she said. In related news, the European Union has announced plans to introduce new regulations on AI-powered ad targeting, which would require companies like Meta to be more transparent about their data collection practices. Current Status and Next Developments As of now, Meta's plans to use AI-powered ad targeting are set to roll out across its social apps in the coming months. The company has not provided a specific timeline for when users can expect to see changes in their ad experiences. In the meantime, experts say that users should remain vigilant about their online data and be aware of how companies like Meta are using AI to target them with ads. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*