WhatsApp has introduced a new optional AI tool in its messaging service, leaving some users frustrated because they are unable to remove it from the app.
Meta AI through WhatsApp is described as an “optional service from Meta that can answer your questions, teach you something, or help come up with new ideas”.
WhatsApp users can currently see the blue Meta AI logo appear at the bottom of their chat screen.
Comments on the current update have proliferated on X, Bluesky and Reddit, including one from Guardian journalist Polly Hudson, who expressed her frustration at the inability to disable the service.
AI consultant and privacy advocate Dr Kris Shrishak told the BBC that no one should be forced to use AI, accusing Meta of treating people as guinea pigs for AI.
“Now that the legality of their approach has been challenged in courts, Meta is looking for other sources to collect data from people, and this feature could be one such source,” he added.
WhatsApp told the BBC: “We think giving people these options is a good thing and we’re always listening to feedback from our users.”
Based on Llama 4, one of the big language models run by Meta, the AI chatbot is currently available in several countries, with Meta disclaiming the service “may not be available yet, even if other users in your country have access.”
When users click on the blue circle, a long message from Meta explains that Meta AI is an optional service that uses AI to provide answers.
“Meta AI can only read messages people share with it,” it says. “Meta can’t read any other messages in your personal chats, as your personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted.”
However, the Information Commissioner’s Office has expressed concern to the BBC and said it will continue to monitor the adoption of Meta’s AI technology, advising users to be careful when sharing sensitive information.
“Don’t share information, including sensitive topics, about others or yourself that you don’t want the AI to retain and use,” it said.
The situation echos backlash received by Microsoft over its AI-powered CoPilot+ last year.
Microsoft’s AI-powered feature automatically captures and stores snapshots of user activity, but was suspended last year due to privacy and security concerns.
First launched in May 2024, Recall is a CoPilot+ feature designed to help users retrace their steps on their PC by automatically capturing and storing snapshots of their activities.
Initially Microsoft did not make Recall an opt-in feature, meaning it was enabled by default, leading to concerns that users were not fully aware of the extent of the data being captured, with Microsoft discontinuing Recall as a result in June 2024.
The company has recently announced plans to roll out an updated version of the service.
