Meta’s introduction of its AI assistant on WhatsApp has sparked user backlash, particularly across Europe, with numerous individuals reporting their inability to disable or remove the new feature, according to a report by a prominent news outlet.
Represented by a constant blue circle within the chat interface, the AI assistant is integrated into the platform and remains visible by default, leading to concerns regarding user autonomy and control.
Despite Meta’s assertion that the AI is “entirely optional,” users state that it appears automatically and cannot be turned off. The assistant can answer inquiries, generate images, and provide information, but many perceive its enforced integration as intrusive.
Privacy advocates have voiced criticism of this move. Some experts contend that AI usage should not be mandatory and that the data employed to train Meta’s models could jeopardize user privacy.
Critics have also highlighted the possibility that some training data may have originated from personal information or illegally copied content, further raising alarms about potential data misuse.
Meta maintains that personal conversations on WhatsApp remain end-to-end encrypted and that interactions with the AI are separate.
However, the company has not offered a clear mechanism for users to completely opt out. This lack of transparency and control has amplified concerns about the future trajectory of AI in messaging platforms.
Both users and privacy experts are advocating for greater accountability and the option to disable AI features. This controversy adds to the ongoing global discussions surrounding consent, data ethics, and the role of AI in everyday communication.
