Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is interested in expanding its services in the growing market of India and hence, is currently focusing its AI services to make them more suitable for Hindi. The Mark Zuckerberg-led firm is reportedly hiring contractors in the United States to develop AI-powered chatbots specifically for the Indian market. The idea is to create AI personalities that are culturally relevant and can be integrated into the company’s popular platforms like Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
According to a report, these contractors are being paid up to $55 per hour and are required to be fluent in Hindi, in addition to other languages such as Indonesian, Spanish, or Portuguese. The roles also demand experience in character creation and storytelling, suggesting that Meta is focusing on developing engaging AI personas.
Meta working on Hindi AI chatbots
The focus on creating Hindi AI chatbots is a massive departure from Meta’s previous attempt to create celebrity-driven alter-ego chatbots, which were not as successful. To make a difference this time, the company is hiring its own contractors to take a more direct and hands-on approach.The idea is to ensure that the chatbots resonate with local audiences in specific regions.
Meta is relying on staffing agencies like Crystal Equation and Aquent Talent to handle the recruitment for these specialised roles.
Meta to integrate AI into its social media apps
The move comes as Meta shifts its focus on AI development and its integration into its core social media and messaging services. While the potential for these chatbots is vast, the risks cannot be discounted. The possibility of the AI generating inappropriate or harmful content, and the creation of problematic personas, have haunted AI companies lately, with big names struggling to dictate what’s ethical and what isn’t.
By developing Hindi-specific AI chatbots, Meta is looking to tap into India’s massive and rapidly growing digital user base. The goal is to create personalised and engaging AI experiences that can drive user interaction and retention on its platforms. Meta AI bot is already available on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to quickly help with captions, images, and other necessary needs.
