Airbnb Leans on AI, While Data Breaches Hit Fintech & Sex Toys

Airbnb is planning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) features to enhance user experience, while also seeing success in its current AI-powered customer support, according to recent announcements. Simultaneously, two separate companies, Figure Technology and Tenga, have reported data breaches, impacting customer data. These developments were revealed in a series of announcements and reports from TechCrunch.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced the company's plans to incorporate AI features for search, trip planning, and host management during the company's fourth-quarter conference call. "We are building an AI-native experience where the app does not just search for you. It knows you," Chesky stated. The company is also testing a new search feature that allows users to ask questions. Furthermore, Airbnb reported that its custom-built AI agent currently handles approximately one-third of its customer support issues in North America, with plans for global expansion. Chesky expressed confidence in the AI's ability to improve service quality and reduce costs.

In other news, blockchain-based lending company Figure Technology confirmed a data breach stemming from a social engineering attack on an employee, according to a statement provided to TechCrunch. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility and published allegedly stolen data after the company refused to pay a ransom. Figure is communicating with affected parties and offering free credit monitoring.

Additionally, sex toy maker Tenga notified customers of a data breach, revealing that an unauthorized party accessed an employee's professional email account. This breach potentially exposed customer names, email addresses, and order details. The company also reported that the hacker sent spam emails to the employee's contacts. Tenga did not respond to requests for comment.