With the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Meta to WhatsApp, alerts were triggered among users, especially in Latin America, where the preference for this messaging application is majority. The novelty has not yet arrived in Brazil, but there are expectations even after the controversy surrounding the first attempt to introduce the tool in the country.
In Latin America, WhatsApp has a significant role in daily use, with a presence from 20% to 30% in sectors such as shopping and finance, according to the latest report of messaging trends for 2024 from Infobip, the global leader in cloud communications. In Brazil, the adoption of the application in general is even more remarkable: it is installed on the 99% smartphone of Brazilians, and 93% use the application every day. These numbers highlight the profound impact of the Meta update on the ways of communication of Brazilians.
The new AI of Meta: what is it and how does it work?
Meta has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool in WhatsApp, designed to enrich user interaction with the application. This AI model, which allows from the creation of images and videos to the search for personalized travel destinations, is especially powerful in its ability to understand and process complex instructions.Based on Meta's technological infrastructure, AI promises to optimize the user experience, offering fast and accurate answers while adapting to the specific needs of each interaction.
Fears about Meta AI on WhatsApp
Given the profound impact of WhatsApp on users' daily lives, speculation has emerged, especially on social media, about the possible risks of this new AI for privacy.Users fear that by not being able to eliminate or disable it for the time being, AI may be able to access their personal information.
However, it is important to recognize that the presence of this technology is inevitable. Therefore, it is critical to learn how to use it responsibly and stay well informed to mitigate unfounded concerns and ensure a safe experience.
Three reasons not to fear Meta AI and tips for using it
“It was a matter of” time, says Barbara Kohut, product specialist at Infobip.“A IA is part of our present, and we must adapt and take advantage of technology and what it can offer us.”
With this perspective in mind, the expert shares three reasons not to fear Meta AI:
End-to-end encryption: whatsapp messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read them. Meta AI should not compromise on this encryption.
Privacy policies: the Meta has different policies in place. The data collected, how it is used and how it is protected is always available and is transparent to any user who wants to understand how it works.
AI capabilities: AI brings challenges but also benefits such as an improved user experience, automation of routine tasks, and a faster way to fetch information directly from your WhatsApp.
How to improve security in the use of the application in four steps
On the other hand, the Infobip expert brings recommendations to avoid incidents with Meta AI, highlighting responsible use practices essential for any technological interaction.
Limit sharing of sensitive data: It is important to exercise caution when sharing sensitive personal information on WhatsApp. One should avoid discussing highly sensitive matters or sharing passwords in the application.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification in addition to the password.
Use strong passwords: It is recommended to create robust and unique passwords for each account, avoiding reuse on different websites or applications.Avoid suspicious links and attachments: do not click on links or open attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts.
The role of users in responsible use of Meta AI
While the arrival of the new Meta AI may raise concerns, responsible use by users has the potential to turn this tool into a valuable extension of WhatsApp, extending its functionality beyond simple messaging. This AI could evolve to become a powerful search engine, competing with other AI technologies on the market, such as Copilot and Gemini.
“This technology provides quick responses, saves users time and streamlines both conversations and” searches, explains Barbara.“It can also automate routine tasks such as reminders, appointments and notifications.”
In addition, Meta AI could facilitate instant translations, improving communication and overcoming language barriers.It still has the ability to generate images, which could take stickers and GIFs to a whole new level.
Much of the use of AI has been recreational, but this is only the beginning.As its capabilities are explored, it is essential to use it consciously to harness its potential without becoming a threat.
