Meta's Muse: Helpful AI Assistant or 'AI Trojan Horse'? | BBC News

Meta has launched Muse, a new AI assistant designed to watch, learn, and act on your behalf, with promises of managing everything from shopping and bookings to emails and daily tasks. But critics question whether Muse is a helpful digital companion or the latest step in Big Tech's push into our personal lives. In this AI Decoded segment, presenter Christian Fraser is joined by AI technology critic Ed Zitron and AI consumer tech expert Ben Hatton to examine Meta's ambitious new product. The discussion explores the potential benefits of Muse, such as convenience and personalized assistance, but also raises red flags about privacy and data collection. Zitron argues that Muse could be an "AI Trojan Horse" that normalizes constant surveillance and deepens Meta's control over user data. Hatton offers a more balanced view, noting that consumers must weigh convenience against privacy trade-offs. The panel also considers the competitive landscape, with Meta vying against other tech giants in the AI assistant space. They debate whether regulation is needed to protect users and what questions consumers should ask before adopting such tools. The segment concludes with practical advice on how to stay informed and safeguard personal information in an increasingly AI-driven world.