Vandals deface ads for AI necklaces that listen to all your conversations

In a striking display of dissent, a vandal inscribed the words "AI doesn't care" on a subway advertisement for an AI-powered pendant named Friend. This wearable device is designed to listen to users’ daily conversations, presenting itself as a supportive companion. The vandal's message underscores a growing unease, stating, "Human connection is sacred," and asserting that "AI is not your friend." This act of defiance is part of a wider online collection of altered advertisements from the Friend campaign, which has sparked significant backlash among New Yorkers. The promotional materials claim that the AI pendant, priced at $129 and soon to be available at Walmart, offers companionship by ensuring it "never bails on dinner" or leaves users to navigate the subway alone. One defacer remarked, "Friends don't let friends sell their souls." Critics of the AI device have used these advertisements to voice broader political concerns about technology and surveillance. For instance, one altered ad, which suggested that an AI companion would "never leave dirty dishes in the sink," was tagged with a comment about AI data centers like xAI's, accusing them of damaging marginalized communities. Another graffiti artist cautioned subway riders against offering personal information to major tech companies, referencing Palantir’s controversial practices involving AI surveillance. The archived messages reflect a strong sentiment against potential invasions of privacy, with one vandal succinctly labeling it "AI surveillance slop." Another ad promising to binge-watch an entire series with users was transformed to read, "I'll steal your info, steal your data, steal your identity." According to reports from The New York Times, the Friend advertising campaign has become one of the most discussed subway promotions in recent history. Initiated by 22-year-old founder Avi Schiffmann, the campaign reportedly cost less than $1 million to execute across the MTA subway system, with plans to expand into cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. Schiffmann emphasized that the MTA's unique advertising opportunities allow for such extensive promotional efforts, adding, "It almost feels illegal."