Business Tech News: Meta and Salesforce Launch AI Agents for Small Businesses

1. Meta and Salesforce Introduce AI Agents for Customer Service
Meta has launched a pilot program featuring AI-powered customer service agents for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These agents can handle tasks such as managing returns, providing product recommendations, and processing purchases. By leveraging a business’s Meta footprint—past posts, customer messages, and ad interactions—these AI tools respond to customer inquiries in real time.

Meanwhile, Salesforce has introduced AgentExchange, a marketplace for AI-powered agents within enterprise software. With over 200 partners, including Google Cloud, DocuSign, Box, and Workday, businesses can access pre-packaged AI solutions that require minimal technical expertise to deploy. Unlike traditional AI tools focused on text generation, these AI agents are designed to autonomously perform complex tasks within business systems, boosting efficiency.

Why it matters:
2025 is shaping up to be the year of AI agents. Generative AI is evolving beyond just providing information—it’s now actively handling business tasks. If you haven’t explored these tools yet, now is the time to start integrating AI-driven automation into your customer service processes.

2. PayPal Scammers Exploit DocuSign API to Defraud Users
A new scam targeting PayPal users leverages DocuSign’s API to make phishing emails appear more credible. Fraudsters create DocuSign accounts and use its templates to send PayPal-branded invoices, notifying recipients of unauthorized transactions. Victims are then prompted to call a fake support number to "secure their accounts" and process a refund.

Because these scam emails originate from DocuSign’s platform, they often bypass security filters. Warning signs include PayPal support emails sent from Gmail addresses and invoices that don’t require a signature—an unusual practice for DocuSign. The company has stated it investigates and shuts down suspicious accounts within 24 hours of detection.

Why it matters:
Scammers are getting more sophisticated. Businesses and individuals need to be vigilant, train employees to spot phishing attempts, and report suspicious emails to both PayPal and DocuSign.

3. Employee Monitoring Reaches an All-Time High
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study reports that 80% of companies are now monitoring their employees, particularly remote and hybrid workers. The study found:

74% track web browsing activity
62% monitor screen time and app usage
While businesses argue that these tools enhance productivity, the study highlights a rise in worker stress, reduced job satisfaction, and lower trust in management. Tools like RFID badges and biometric scanners also raise ethical concerns about workplace surveillance.

Why it matters:
Excessive monitoring can backfire, reducing morale and productivity. Businesses should weigh the benefits of tracking against its impact on workplace culture and employee trust. Instead of micromanaging, focus on fostering accountability and engagement.

4. Reddit: A Powerful SEO and Engagement Tool for SMBs
Reddit is emerging as a valuable platform for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to boost search engine optimization (SEO) and engage with niche communities. Unlike other social platforms with fluctuating algorithms, Reddit’s structured discussion-based format allows businesses to connect with targeted audiences in industry-specific subreddits.

For example, when searching for a service like a personal trainer in Brooklyn, many users add "Reddit" to their Google queries to find genuine community recommendations. This organic visibility makes Reddit an effective platform for businesses looking to build credibility.

Why it matters:
Instead of using Reddit for direct lead generation, businesses should focus on providing value, engaging in discussions, and building trust within relevant communities. Over time, this can enhance brand reputation and drive organic traffic.

5. Essential PC Security Measures to Prevent Cyberattacks
Cybersecurity expert Alaina Yee of PCWorld warns that failing to implement basic security measures leaves businesses vulnerable to cyber threats. Key recommendations include:

Activating built-in antivirus protection (Windows Defender or macOS XProtect)
Using third-party security suites (Avast One, Norton, or Bitdefender)
Enabling firewalls and VPNs
Regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities
Why it matters:
Cyber threats are evolving, and small businesses are frequent targets. Implementing strong security protocols protects sensitive data and minimizes the risk of breaches.