“Meta Retracts Controversial ‘AI Users’ Amid Backlash”

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked significant reactions across various sectors, from social media platforms to law enforcement agencies. Tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are making substantial moves, while applications of AI continue to raise ethical concerns.¹

1. Meta Faces Backlash Over AI Users

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faced intense criticism after introducing “AI users” on its platforms. The initiative was seen by many as a rebranding of bots, leading to confusion among real users. The backlash prompted Meta to retract the AI-generated accounts and remove them from its services.²

1. Meta Faces Backlash Over AI Users

In the realm of digital reading, book tracking app Fable decided to remove its popular AI features following controversies. The platform’s AI-generated reader summaries were found to contain offensive content related to race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This move came as part of Fable’s annual review process to address user concerns.³

1. Fable Removes AI Features After Controversy

Law enforcement agencies in Maine are exploring AI to enhance efficiency. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Portland Police Department are testing an AI-powered software called “Draft One” to streamline the process of writing police reports. Officials believe this technology could save time and resources.⁴

1. Maine Law Enforcement Adopts AI for Reports

On the corporate front, Microsoft announced plans to invest approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to develop AI-enabled data centers. This significant investment aims to bolster AI model training and support the deployment of AI and cloud-based applications globally.⁵

1. Microsoft’s $80 Billion Investment in AI

Meanwhile, OpenAI’s o3 system achieved a milestone by scoring 85% on the ARC-AGI benchmark on December 20. This performance not only surpasses previous AI records but also matches average human performance, marking a notable advancement in AI capabilities.⁶

1. OpenAI’s o3 Matches Human Performance

These developments highlight the rapid evolution of AI and its extensive impact across industries. As AI technology continues to advance, organizations and policymakers are facing new challenges and opportunities in integrating AI responsibly and effectively.