WhatsApp Users Frustrated by Non-Removable Meta AI Button Despite 'Optional' Claim

Persistent Meta AI Button on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has introduced a Meta AI button that remains permanently visible on users' chat screens, positioned as a blue circle with pink and green splashes in the bottom right corner. Despite Meta's claim that the feature is "entirely optional," users cannot remove this button from their interface, sparking frustration among the community.

Limited Control Through Advanced Chat Privacy

WhatsApp provides a workaround via a setting called “Advanced Chat Privacy.” This feature allows users to block Meta AI on a chat-by-chat basis. By enabling it, users prevent others from exporting chats, stop automatic media downloads to their phone, and restrict the use of messages for AI features.

According to WhatsApp's documentation:

"When the setting is on, you can block others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for AI features."

Users can access this setting by tapping on a chat name and selecting “Advanced Chat Privacy,” effectively preventing Meta AI from accessing those specific conversations.

Privacy Concerns Raised by Experts

Privacy advocates, including Dr. Kris Shrishak, have voiced their concerns about Meta's AI integration. Dr. Shrishak criticized the mandatory nature of the AI feature, stating that "No one should be forced to use AI. Its AI models are a privacy violation by design."

When interacting with Meta AI, WhatsApp informs users that the chatbot "can only read messages people share with it" and that "Meta can’t read any other messages in your personal chats, as your personal messages remain end to end encrypted."

However, Meta also warns users:

"Don’t share information, including sensitive topics, about others or yourself that you don’t want the AI to retain and use."

This caution highlights the delicate balance between AI functionality and privacy, especially in one of the world's most popular messaging apps. Dr. Shrishak emphasizes the risks by reminding users that "Every time you use this feature and communicate with Meta AI, you need to remember that one of the ends is Meta, not your friend."

Meta's Expanding AI Presence

Following the European Union's approval for rolling out AI products, Meta is actively integrating its AI assistant across various products. Users in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland can now interact with Meta AI through voice commands.

Recently, Meta expanded Meta AI capabilities on Ray-Ban smart glasses to seven additional European countries. These glasses will feature live translation and the ability to query Meta AI about objects in view, enabling real-time responses.

No Easy Way to Disable Meta AI on WhatsApp