Local Sheriff’s Office Warns About New Snapchat AI Threats

(KNSI) – Police have a dire warning about a disturbing new bot on SnapChat.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was among several law enforcement agencies that posted warnings about a new chatbot within the popular social media platform that cannot be gotten rid of. The department’s message included a screenshot of a conversation with My AI where it says it does not know the person’s location but then tells the user the nearest McDonald’s restaurant is about 1.5 miles away and gives an address. Another screenshot shows an exchange between the bot and a user where My AI says unsettling things about owning a golden retriever and being a real person named Sarah. The user says it has advised kids to cover up bruises from domestic violence when prompted, among other things. The bot can’t be removed unless a user pays.

The posting read, “We are raising our next generation of leaders. They look to us for guidance and direction. Please take the time to research this, have conversations and understand the influence, dangers and impact this could have on our vulnerable young children and teens.”

They also urged parents to talk to their kids about being careful about who they talk to and the information they give out online.

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