In late 2025, Meituan, a leading lifestyle super app in China, introduced its Xiaomei AI agent, which redefines the concept of digital assistance. Unlike traditional chatbots, Xiaomei acts as an orchestrator and execution agent, allowing users to delegate tasks with remarkable ease. Imagine simply saying, “Order my usual lunch, but deliver it 20 minutes later today,” and having the AI understand your preferences and execute the order without any screen interaction.

The rise of AI agents marks a significant shift in how data is collected and utilized, moving from public domains to more private realms. As major AI companies have previously faced backlash for scraping vast amounts of public internet data, the next frontier will likely involve accessing personal and sensitive information, raising critical questions about privacy and consent. This transition to all-access AI agents not only highlights the potential for innovation but also underscores the urgent need for robust data protection regulations.