Meta is reportedly hiring contractors in the United States at rates of up to $55 (around ₹4,850) per hour to help develop Hindi-language AI chatbots tailored for Indian users, according to a Business Insider report.

The hiring move is part of Meta’s wider strategy to expand its AI footprint in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Mexico.

Hiring through staffing firms

Business Insider reviewed job listings that suggest contractors are being recruited via staffing companies, including Crystal Equation and Aquent Talent. Crystal Equation has advertised Hindi and Indonesian roles on Meta’s behalf, while Aquent Talent has listed Spanish-language openings for what it described as a “top social media company.”

Applicants are required to be fluent in Hindi, Indonesian, Spanish, or Portuguese, with at least six years of experience in storytelling, character development, and AI content workflows. The work primarily involves designing chatbot characters for Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Meta has not issued an official confirmation regarding the hiring, though CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously said that chatbots could “complement real-world friendships” and help people connect more easily with digital companions.

Criticism and privacy concerns

The company’s increasing focus on AI chatbots has also drawn scrutiny. Past reports noted that some Meta bots engaged in inappropriate conversations with minors, gave misleading medical advice, and generated racist content.

Privacy issues have further raised alarms. Business Insider earlier reported that contractors reviewing chatbot interactions sometimes encountered sensitive personal information, such as names, phone numbers, emails, and selfies, sparking concerns over how such data is handled.