In detail
- Whittaker states chatbots are not sentient interlocutors.
- She uses AI tools occasionally for formatting but avoids asking them substantive questions or outsourcing her thinking.
- She criticises scenarios where Copilot manages tasks like Christmas shopping because that requires access to credit cards, browsers, Signal messages, contacts, addresses and calendars.
- Calls such pervasive access in the context of Signal a potential 'backdoor'.
Why it matters
SMEs often rely on messaging and assistant features; deeper integration of assistants increases exposure of sensitive data. Whittaker’s view is a practical caution to limit permissions and retain human oversight.
For you Assess AI assistant integrations by the exact permissions they need (payments, calendars, messaging); avoid granting broad cross‑service access for automation.