Snapchat users fearful of My AI location tracking and ability to 'see' into bedrooms

The update, named My AI, has been met with a barrage of concern in reviews posted to TikTok.

A TikTok video posted by @cydneyskidneys April 25 detailed the bot complimenting a "black and white striped blanket" that was out of shot in a selfie.

Comments on the video alleged My AI had mentioned their bathroom mirrors or bedrooms that were out of shot in images they sent to the bot.

Other users say My AI had revealed its 'real' name, location and even offered to add them on its personal account, making people feel like a human was behind the bot.

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Technology columnist Geoffrey A. Fowler wrote in The Washington Post, that although My AI operated like most artificial intelligence apps, users were treated "like guinea pigs".

"Few understand how it really works at a mass scale, including the companies offering it," he said.

A key criticism had been use of location data as some users believed the AI was identifying precise locations beyond Snapchat's usual capacity.

In a statement released on April 26 Snapchat said users may "receive a notice explaining that [My AI] may use information [users] share with Snapchat to personalise responses".

The social media app confirmed My AI did not gather new location data from 'Snapchatters'.

"If you do choose to share your location with Snapchat, My AI has the ability to use Snapchat's knowledge of where you are and the places around you to provide useful place recommendations to you when asked," the statement said.

My AI is now pinned to the top of user chats. It cannot be removed without a paid subscription at $5.99 per month.

But the technology shows no sign of slowing down. The Snapchat feature is an offshoot of OpenAI's GPT that is currently being integrated into Microsoft Bing.