Meta Launches Muse AI Assistant, Surfacing Detailed User Data From Instagram and Amazon
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Sep 10
Meta Launches Muse AI Assistant, Surfacing Detailed User Data From Instagram and Amazon
2 articles · Updated · The Verge · Sep 10
Summary
Meta’s new Muse assistant completed tasks like deleting thousands of Gmail promotions and buying workout tops, but a hands-on test found it also inferred unusually detailed personal interests and location-linked news prompts.
Muse said it pulled some of that information through Instagram account API data rather than user-facing settings, while also using an Amazon shipping address to tailor a news feed to the state where the user was visiting family.
The tool runs actions through a cloud-based virtual computer and requires broad permissions to connected services, including access to read and delete emails and shop through linked retail accounts.
Meta says Muse exchanges only the data needed to make third-party apps work and does not share user information with advertisers, but the report says that reassurance may not overcome privacy concerns tied to Meta’s history.