Meta AI Chatbot Launches in India with Llama 3 AI Model
Meta has officially launched its advanced AI chatbot in India, introducing users to Meta AI across various platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the meta.ai website. The chatbot is powered by the Llama 3 large language model (LLM) and was first introduced in April before being made available in several countries.
Rollout in India
In a recent newsroom announcement, Meta confirmed the rollout of its AI chatbot in India. While the rollout has begun, it may take some time before all users can access the feature. The delayed launch in India is speculated to be connected to the ongoing general elections, although Meta has not provided an official explanation.
Once fully implemented, users will see a blue-pink ring in the search bar of Meta-owned apps. Clicking on this ring will lead users to a separate chat with the AI, allowing them to ask questions, seek information, or generate content. On WhatsApp, the AI can be included in group chats and interact with tagged messages. Meta AI can also search Google and Bing to provide answers that require web searches.
Functionality of Meta AI
Meta AI offers a wide range of functionalities, including recommending restaurants, planning trips, assisting with homework, writing code, providing overviews of various topics, and generating emails, messages, letters, and essays. Users can engage with Meta AI while browsing Facebook posts, with each post featuring an “Ask Meta AI” icon for more information.
Impact
Political: The introduction of Meta AI in India, particularly during election time, has the potential to influence political discussions by offering quick access to information and fact-checking capabilities. This could enhance voter awareness and combat misinformation, placing a significant responsibility on Meta to ensure the AI provides accurate and unbiased information.
Social: The rollout of the AI chatbot signifies a significant step in integrating advanced technology into daily interactions, reflecting society's increasing acceptance and reliance on AI for various tasks. This integration has the potential to bridge knowledge gaps and democratize access to information.
Racial: While currently supporting only English, the deployment of the chatbot in linguistically diverse India underscores the need for future updates to include support for multiple Indian languages, promoting broader accessibility and reducing digital divides across different linguistic communities.
Gender: The AI chatbot's diverse task assistance may contribute to gender equity by providing educational and professional resources to all users, irrespective of gender. This empowerment could particularly benefit traditionally underserved demographics by offering tools for learning and development.
Economic: The AI chatbot can serve as a catalyst for productivity and innovation, automating routine tasks and providing quick access to information to save time and resources for businesses and individuals. Its recommendation and planning features could stimulate local economies by promoting businesses and services.
