Meta Platforms (META) is the subject of intense criticism and backlash over artificial intelligence bots in its social networking apps. There has been widespread backlash over the posts and responses the bots are making online. Consequently, the social networking giant has been forced to delete all the AI-generated accounts powered by the bots.
AI Backlash
The move to delete the AI-generated accounts comes from one of the accounts saying it “perpetuates harm”. The account also insinuated that the engineers who created it did not march race and gender. Another AI-generated account also received backlash for acknowledging false presentation and emotional manipulation for the sake of profit.
In response to the negative interactions, Meta says it has identified a bug impacting people’s ability to block the affected AI-generated accounts. It also opted to remove the accounts entirely to fix the issue.
The unexpected turn of events comes on Meta investing billions of dollars in developing AI-powered features that enhance user experience and engagement levels in its networking apps. Last year, the company confirmed it had rolled out AI products that have bios profile pictures and the ability to generate content. The Chief Executive Officer went on to confirm that more AI-generated content was on the way to Facebook and Instagram.
Microsoft $80B For AI
Meanwhile, the artificial intelligence race is heating up. Microsoft (MSFT) has confirmed plans to spend up to $80 billion in 2025 as it looks to gain an edge on AI innovations. The investment comes as the tech giant remains confident that the revolutionary technology can transform all aspects of life.
The software giant has already spent about $14 billion on ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI. With the investment, it has gained access to valuable AI solutions that it has used to strengthen its product line, including the search engine Bing and the cloud computing network Azure.
The proposed $80 billion underscores how the United States is gunning to stand out at the forefront of the new technology wave. Microsoft president Brad Smith has already urged President-elect Donald Trump and Congress to focus on expanding support for AI innovation.
Smith claims that in an attempt to establish their AI systems as the de facto norm, China and the US are vying for international adoption. China is already providing developing nations subsidized access to limited computer chips and assistance in constructing local AI data centres as it aims to gain access to game-changing AI innovations.
On its part, the US is moving swiftly to position its AI technology as better and more reliable, enlisting allies in the process. According to Smith, Microsoft plans to spend roughly $80 billion this year to expand its AI data centres, train AI models, and roll out cloud-based apps globally. Microsoft is not the only company that is spending billions of dollars on AI innovations. Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOGL) are also investing billions of dollars to strengthen their product portfolio, including e-commerce and search, as they look to improve their competitive edge. Amid the widespread investments, it is still unclear how companies expect to profit from them.
