PresenteIA uses data from CRMBonus and a partnership with iFood to suggest gifts via WhatsApp
A new digital service has raised serious concerns about personal data protection in Brazil. Recently launched, PresenteIA claims it can reveal the birthdays of up to 90% of Brazilians and simplify gift-giving, but experts warn about major privacy risks.
Developed by CRMBonus in partnership with iFood, the system operates within WhatsApp and relies on cross-referencing massive databases. According to company marketing, all it takes is a phone number to access personal information.
While the idea is to make gift-giving easier, the way data is accessed has alarmed users and specialists.
🤖 How PresenteIA Works
To use the service, users must send a message to the chatbot on WhatsApp and accept the terms of use. Once approved, the system can retrieve information such as full name and CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID) using only the phone number.
Next, users are required to enter an address, which is mandatory to continue using the platform.
During testing, the app also requested access to the smartphone’s contact list. The tool claims to “guess” birthdays using CRMBonus’ database, which supports services such as Vale Bonus.
The system sends reminders before special dates and suggests gifts like chocolates, drinks, flowers, and toys based on consumption profiles.
⚠️ Experts Raise Privacy Concerns
Digital law specialist Pedro Henrique Santos, a researcher at Data Privacy Brasil, questions whether users have truly authorized this type of data sharing.
According to him, being listed in someone’s contact list does not mean a person has consented to having their information disclosed.
Unlike social networks, where users control what they share, this model allows personal data to be revealed without prior knowledge.
📄 Consent and Controversies
CRMBonus stated that personal data is processed only after users interact with the chatbot and accept the terms. However, in practice, people who have never used PresenteIA may still have their information displayed if someone enters their phone number.
Experts argue that the platform should adopt “active transparency” mechanisms, informing individuals whenever their data is accessed — something that does not currently happen.
📍 They Also Know Your Address
Beyond birthdays, the service aims to enable gift delivery. In a statement, CRMBonus CEO Alexandre Zolko said the goal is to turn gift-giving into a daily habit in Brazil.
During testing, attempting to purchase a gift required the recipient to have an active account.
At this stage, iFood plays a key role. In a promotional video, its CEO Diego Barreto highlighted that the platform already has access to users’ addresses.
In some cases, however, the system still asked recipients to enter their address manually.
Even so, the address appears on the invoice, allowing the buyer to know where the recipient lives.
🌐 Meta’s Role and Public Reaction
All interactions take place within WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta. In promotional materials, executive Guilherme Horn described the tool as “revolutionary.”
Meta’s involvement has also sparked debate about corporate responsibility and data protection.
🏢 What CRMBonus Says
In response, CRMBonus stated that all data is handled lawfully and in compliance with Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD). The company also said it does not share sensitive personal information.
According to CRMBonus, addresses are provided voluntarily by users to enable the service — a claim that conflicts with statements made by iFood executives.
The company added that PresenteIA was created to offer convenience while respecting user privacy.
❌ How to Delete Your Data
According to Pedro Henrique Santos, users must have the right to prevent their personal information from being disclosed.
He emphasizes that combining active transparency with the right to object is essential for compliance with data protection laws.
Users who wish to delete their data can contact CRMBonus’ data protection officer at:
The company says requests are processed within 15 days.
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