WhatsApp says its new AI feature embedded in the messaging service is "entirely optional" - despite the fact it cannot be removed from the app. The Meta AI logo is an ever-present blue circle with pink and green splashes in the bottom right of your Chats screen. Interacting with it opens a chatbot designed to answer your questions, but it has drawn attention and frustration from users who cannot turn it off. It follows Microsoft's Recall feature, which was also an always-on tool - before the firm faced a backlash anddecided to allow people to disable it. "We think giving people these options is a good thing and we're always listening to feedback from our users," WhatsApp told the BBC. It comes the same week Meta announced an update to its teen accounts feature on Instagram. The firm revealedit was testing AI technologyin the US designed to find accounts belonging to teenagers who have lied about their age on the platform. If you can't see it, you may not be able to use it yet. Meta says the feature is only being rolled out to some countries at the moment and advises it "might not be available to you yet, even if other users in your country have access". As well as the blue circle, there is a search bar at the top inviting users to 'Ask Meta AI or Search'. This is also a feature on Facebook Messenger and Instagram, with both platforms owned by Meta. Its AI chatbot is powered by Llama 4, one of the large language models operated by Meta. Before you ask it anything, there is a long message from Meta explaining what Meta AI is - stating it is "optional". On its website,WhatsApp saysMeta AI "can answer your questions, teach you something, or help come up with new ideas". I tried out the feature by asking the AI what the weather was like in Glasgow, and it responded in seconds with a detailed report on temperature, the chance of rain, wind and humidity. It also gave me two links for further information, but this is where it ran into problems. One of the links was relevant, but the other tried to give me additional weather details for Charing Cross - not the location in Glasgow, but the railway station in London. So far in Europe people aren't very pleased, with users on X, Bluesky, and Reddit outlining their frustrations - and Guardian columnist Polly Hudson was among thoseventing their anger at not being able to turn it off. Dr Kris Shrishak, an adviser on AI and privacy, was also highly critical, and accused Meta of "exploiting its existing market" and "using people as test subjects for AI". "No one should be forced to use AI," he told the BBC. "Its AI models are a privacy violation by design - Meta, through web scraping, has used personal data of people and pirated books in training them. "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." An investigation byThe Atlanticrevealed Meta may have accessed millions of pirated books and research papers through LibGen - Library Genesis - to train its Llama AI. Author groups across the UK and around the world are organising campaigns to encourage governments to intervene, andMeta is currently defending a court case brought by multiple authors over the use of their work. A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment on The Atlantic investigation. When you first use Meta AI in WhatsApp, it states the chatbot "can only read messages people share with it". "Meta can't read any other messages in your personal chats, as your personal messages remain end to end encrypted," it says. Meanwhile the Information Commissioner's Office told the BBC it would "continue to monitor the adoption of Meta AI's technology and use of personal data within WhatsApp". "Personal information fuels much of AI innovation so people need to trust that organisations are using their information responsibly," it said. "Organisations who want to use people's personal details to train or use generative AI models need to comply with all their data protection obligations, and take the necessary extra steps when it comes to processing the data of children." Dr Shrishak says users should be wary. "When you send messages to your friend, end to end encryption will not be affected," he said. "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." The tech giant also highlights that you should only share material which you know could be used by others. "Don't share information, including sensitive topics, about others or yourself that you don't want the AI to retain and use," it says. Additional reporting by Joe Tidy
WhatsApp defends 'optional' AI tool that cannot be turned off
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"WhatsApp Introduces AI Feature Amid User Concerns Over Privacy and Control"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
WhatsApp has recently introduced an AI feature embedded within its messaging platform, which the company claims is "entirely optional." However, users have expressed frustration as the feature, represented by a persistent blue circle with a Meta AI logo, cannot be removed from the app. This AI tool is designed to respond to user inquiries and is available in other Meta-owned platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram. Users can interact with the AI by asking questions, but the inability to disable it has raised concerns. WhatsApp maintains that the feedback from users is taken seriously, and they aim to provide options that enhance user experience. The launch of this feature coincides with Meta's announcement of an AI technology update for Instagram, aimed at identifying underage accounts, which is also in a testing phase in select regions.
Critics of the AI tool, including users on social media platforms and privacy experts, have voiced their discontent, arguing that forcing users to interact with AI goes against the principle of user choice. Dr. Kris Shrishak, an advisor on AI and privacy, highlighted potential privacy violations, suggesting that Meta may be using personal data without proper consent in training its AI models. An investigation by The Atlantic raised further concerns about Meta's data sourcing practices, indicating potential use of pirated content for AI training. While WhatsApp assures users that their personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted and that the AI can only read messages shared directly with it, privacy advocates urge caution. The Information Commissioner's Office is also monitoring the implications of this technology on personal data use within WhatsApp, emphasizing the need for responsible data handling, especially concerning children. Users are advised to be mindful of the information they share with the AI, as it represents a new interface between them and Meta.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article discusses WhatsApp's introduction of an AI tool that has sparked user frustration due to its inability to be turned off. Despite WhatsApp's assertion that the feature is "entirely optional," the persistent presence of the Meta AI logo and the chatbot functionality has led to a perception of it being mandatory. Users have expressed concerns similar to those faced by Microsoft with its Recall feature, which was later made optional following user backlash.
User Frustration and Perception of Control
Many users feel that having an AI tool that cannot be disabled undermines their control over the app. The fact that Meta maintains it is optional while users cannot remove it raises questions about the company's commitment to user autonomy. This could result in a negative perception of WhatsApp, as users may feel manipulated into using a feature they do not want. The frustration is compounded by the timing of the announcement, which coincides with other updates related to Meta's AI features across its platforms, suggesting a broader strategy focused on AI integration.
Implications for User Privacy and Trust
The introduction of an AI tool that monitors and potentially collects data could contribute to growing concerns about privacy. Users might fear that their interactions with the AI could be tracked or exploited for advertising purposes, impacting their trust in the platform. As the rollout of AI features continues, Meta’s ability to reassure users regarding data privacy and security will be crucial in maintaining user confidence.
Comparison to Other Tech Companies
The situation resembles past issues faced by other tech giants, such as Microsoft with its Recall feature. The backlash against forced features may compel WhatsApp to reconsider its approach if user dissatisfaction escalates. Companies that prioritize user feedback and offer more control over features tend to foster better relationships with their user base, as seen in contrasting strategies from competitors.
Potential Market Impact
The announcement could influence stock prices and market sentiment toward Meta and its associated platforms. If users begin to abandon WhatsApp due to dissatisfaction with the AI feature, it could negatively impact Meta's overall market performance. Investors may closely monitor user engagement metrics and sentiment analysis to gauge the potential financial repercussions.
Community Reception
Tech-savvy users and privacy advocates are likely to be more critical of this development. Communities that prioritize digital rights and user agency may voice strong opposition to the integration of mandatory AI features. Conversely, users who embrace technology and AI may welcome the feature, creating a divide in user sentiment.
The article presents a complex interplay between innovation, user autonomy, and corporate responsibility. It highlights the challenges that tech companies face in implementing new features while balancing user expectations and privacy concerns. The overall trustworthiness of the information hinges on the transparency and responsiveness of WhatsApp and Meta to user feedback and concerns.