On the heels of the launch of Snapchat’s new AI creative tools, which include the ability to create AI selfies along with new AI Snaps tools for Snapchat+ subscribers, some users have noticed that the setting for Snapchat to use its AI selfie in ads is on by default.
On Snapchat, your AI Selfie is created from an image of your face and is a cartoonish representation of what you look like. You can change the outfit your MySelfie is wearing or regenerate it if you don't like the results.
Me, Myself and MySelfie
We've reviewed the settings screens in Snapchat and can confirm that by default, you agree to have your own personal AI Selfie appear in ads shown to you on the app.
This has caused some to worry about the security of their data. In a statement to The Verge, Snapchat said: “Advertisers do not have access to Snapchatters’ Gen AI data in any way, including My Selfies, nor do they have access to Snapchatters’ private data, including Memories, that would allow them to create an AI-generated image of an individual Snapchatter.”
Snapchat’s statement is reassuring, but there’s no harm in turning off the setting for added security. To disable Snapchat’s ability to use your My Selfie image in ads, tap on your profile in the top left corner. This will bring up your AI-generated My Selfie. Now tap on the settings cog. Scroll down until you see My Selfie, then tap there and turn off “See My Selfie in ads.” That’s it, you’re done. While you’re there, you might also want to make sure “Generate with My Selfie” is set to “Only Me.”
While Snapchat’s AI tools require a subscription to Snapchat+, which costs $4.49 (£4.49, AU$5), the ability to chat with an AI chatbot, called My AI, is available on the free tier. Just tap the Chat button and then choose My AI from your contact list and you’ll enter a chatbot-like exchange with the AI. It’s a great way to have an AI-powered chat on your mobile.
