WhatsApp is facing criticism over its new Meta AI chatbot, which it describes as “entirely optional” despite the fact users cannot remove it from the app. The AI feature, represented by a persistent blue circle in the Chats screen, allows users to ask questions and receive AI-generated answers, but its unremovable presence has frustrated many.
“We think giving people these options is a good thing and we’re always listening to feedback,” WhatsApp told the BBC, likening the feature to permanent elements like ‘channels’ and ‘status’.
Currently, Meta AI is only available in select countries and powered by Meta’s Llama 4 model. Although the chatbot claims not to access private conversations, critics argue it poses privacy concerns. Dr. Kris Shrishak, an AI and privacy adviser, accused Meta of “exploiting its existing market” and using people as “test subjects for AI.”
The controversy comes amid broader concerns about Meta’s use of personal data, with legal challenges underway over allegations that Meta trained its AI models on pirated content. Meanwhile, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office says it will closely monitor how Meta AI uses personal data within WhatsApp.
Despite user frustrations, Meta has so far stood by the feature, declining to comment further on data use allegations.
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