WhatsApp's Meta AI sparks EU privacy row as users unable to disable
WhatsApp owner WhatsApp’s decision to add an AI assistant to the popular messaging app without an off switch has prompted an EU lawmaker to raise concerns with the European Commission (EC) over user control and digital safety.
EU Lawmaker Raises Concerns
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), MEP Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová said she had submitted a written question to the EC, the EU’s executive body responsible for enforcing laws and regulating tech, to clarify whether the AI complies with EU rules. Ms Ostrihoňová, who belongs to the social-liberal Progressive Slovakia party, said she took action after several users contacted her with their concerns over WhatsApp’s recent update.
Rollout of Meta AI
Meta began rolling out its AI assistant to WhatsApp users in Europe in March, following months of regulatory wrangling over data protection. The tool, Meta AI, is available on WhatsApp for Android in the UK, with an iOS release expected this week. Users can access Meta AI in several ways: through a new button in chats, by typing “@MetaAI” in a message, or via the search bar.
Features of META AI
META AI IN YOUR PHONE
👀 Noticed something new in your WhatsApp or Messenger chats lately? That little blue circle — Meta AI — is Meta's new assistant, meant to help you find "relevant content." But here's the catch: 👉 You can’t turn it off! And that raises real questions… pic.twitter.com/3OwpNJVeIL — Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova (@VeronikaCifrova) April 8, 2025
Concerns and Criticisms
The chatbot works in both one-on-one and group chats. However, in Europe, it's limited to text responses — unlike in the US, where it can also create images and stylised selfies. Despite the tool being optional, users have expressed concerns about privacy and data usage.
Privacy Regulations and Backlash
While the UK is no longer part of the EU, it still operates under GDPR-style data rules. Meta faced pushback from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission in the EU, prompting the company to confirm that the version of Meta AI available across Europe has not been trained on local user data. The rollout has sparked significant backlash, with users in various regions expressing their discontent.
Meta's Response
Meta defended the integration of the AI, emphasizing that the feature is entirely optional. Joshua Breckman, Communications Director, International, WhatsApp, compared Meta AI to existing tools within the app and reiterated the company's commitment to privacy.
User Feedback and Options
Despite complaints about the inability to disable the tool, Mr Breckman stated that most feedback has been positive. Users have the option to choose a non-AI version of WhatsApp if they prefer to opt-out of using Meta AI.
Meta AI aims to make powerful AI tools accessible to everyone, providing users with the choice to interact with AI within a familiar and trusted platform.
