Threads expands Meta AI testing across five countries

Meta is testing a Threads feature that lets users with public accounts mention @meta.ai in posts and replies to get answers and context.

The feature is being rolled out in beta in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.

The tool is meant to provide real-time information on trends and breaking stories, Meta told TechCrunch.

The @meta.ai account will post public replies in the same language as the original post.

The move resembles X’s Grok integration,

Meta said users can mute @meta.ai, mark its posts as not interested, or hide replies as it gathers feedback before a wider launch.

🔗 Source: TechCrunch

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Meta is testing an AI assistant on Threads that lets public-account users mention @meta.ai in posts and replies for answers and context. The beta is rolling out in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.
The test follows Meta’s earlier move to end its third-party fact-checking program in the US 1.
In place of outside review groups, Meta said it will use an X-style Community Notes system where users add context to posts that may mislead people 2.
Some experts say tech companies are putting AI product sales ahead of careful safety research 3.
Meta’s product-focused generative AI group has pushed aside Fundamental AI Research (FAIR), Meta’s long-standing AI research division, as the company speeds product work 3.

Public replies from @meta.ai could create fresh brand-safety questions on a platform where 53% of US marketers call social media the top threat to brand reputation 4.
Meta has also added more detailed advertiser controls on Facebook and Instagram, including a way to mute comments on ads before they run 5.
That mix can leave more daily content-suitability work with advertisers and their agencies.
A broad advertiser pullback still looks unlikely because Meta’s scale blunts boycotts. A 2020 retreat by large brands barely hurt the company’s bottom line 2.