**Meta AI to Automate 90% of Risk Assessment**

Meta is reportedly planning to automate up to 90% of risk assessments for updates across its platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, using AI-powered systems. According to internal documents obtained by NPR, the company aims to streamline its evaluation process by shifting from human-led reviews to AI-driven decision-making.

Under the new system, product teams will fill out a questionnaire about their work, after which an AI will generate an “instant decision” identifying potential risks. The AI will also outline specific requirements that must be met before an update can be launched. This approach is expected to accelerate Meta’s ability to roll out new features while reducing reliance on manual reviews.

However, critics warn that the shift could introduce higher risks. A former Meta executive told NPR that automated assessments may fail to catch unintended consequences of product changes before they impact users. The executive emphasized that AI lacks the nuanced judgment of human reviewers, potentially leading to overlooked privacy or safety concerns.

Meta has defended its strategy, stating that it has invested over $8 billion in its privacy program. The company claims that AI will handle routine, low-risk decisions, while human experts will continue to oversee complex or novel issues. “We enhance our processes to better identify risks and improve decision-making as our program evolves,” a Meta spokesperson said.

The move reflects Meta’s broader push to integrate AI into its operations, balancing rapid innovation with regulatory compliance. As AI takes on a larger role in risk assessment, the company will need to ensure that safeguards remain robust to prevent unintended harm.