With the arrival of Meta's Artificial Intelligence (AI) to WhatsApp, the alerts were triggered among the users, especially in Latin America, where the preference for this messaging app 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. That's why experts are talking about how it works
In Latin America, WhatsApp plays a significant role in daily use, with a presence of 20% to 30% in sectors such as purchasing and finance, according to the latest messaging trends report for 2024 from Infobip, global leader in cloud communications. In Brazil, the adoption of the app in general is even more remarkable: it is installed on 99% of Brazilians' smartphones, and 93% use the app every day. These numbers highlight the profound impact of Meta's update on the communication methods of Brazilians
The new AI from Meta: what it is and how it works
Meta launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool on WhatsApp, designed to enhance user interaction with the application. This AI model, that allows everything from creating images and videos to searching 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 quick and accurate responses while adapting to the specific needs of each interaction
Fears over Meta AI on WhatsApp
Given the profound impact of WhatsApp on users' daily lives, speculations arose, especially on social media, about the possible risks of this new AI to privacy. Users fear that, as it is not possible to eliminate or deactivate it for now, the AI can access your personal information
However, it is important to recognize that the presence of this technology is inevitable. That's why, it is essential to learn to use it responsibly and to stay well-informed to mitigate unfounded concerns and ensure a safe experience
Three reasons not to fear Meta’s AI and tips for using it
"It was a matter of time", says Bárbara Kohut, product specialist at Infobip. AI 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's AI
End-to-end encryption:WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, it means that only the sender and the recipient can read them. Meta AI should not compromise this encryption
Privacy Policies:Meta has different policies in place. The collected data, how they are used and how they are protected are always available and are transparent to any user who wants to understand how it works
AI Capabilities:AI brings challenges, but also benefits, as an enhanced user experience, automation of routine tasks and a faster way to search for information directly on your WhatsApp
How to improve app security in four steps
On the other hand, the Infobip specialist provides recommendations to avoid incidents with Meta's AI, highlighting essential responsible use practices for any technological interaction.
Limit sharing of sensitive data:It is important to be cautious when sharing sensitive personal information on WhatsApp. One should avoid discussing highly confidential 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 strong and unique passwords for each account, avoiding reuse on different sites or applicationsAvoid suspicious links and attachments:do not click on links or open attachments from unknown or untrusted sources, because they may contain malware or phishing attempts
The role of users in the responsible use of Meta AI
Although the arrival of Meta's new AI may raise concerns, the responsible use by users has the potential to transform this tool into a valuable extension of WhatsApp, expanding its functionality beyond simple message sending. This AI could evolve to become a powerful search engine, competing with other AI technologies in the market, like Copilot and Gemini
This technology provides quick responses, saves users' time and speeds up both conversations and searches, explain Bárbara. "It can also automate routine tasks", as reminders, commitments and notifications.”
Furthermore, Meta's AI could facilitate instant translations, improving communication and overcoming language barriers. She still has the ability to generate images, what could elevate stickers and GIFs to a whole new level
Currently, a large part of the use of this AI has been recreational, but this is just the beginning. As your capabilities are explored, it is essential to use it consciously to harness its potential without it becoming a threat. Technology is a powerful tool that, if used correctly, can offer great benefits
