WhatsApp's nonremovable Meta AI sparks regulatory alarm
WhatsApp in the EU introduces Meta AI for basic chat and research tasks, facing potential scrutiny from the European Commission. Users cannot opt out of, fully disable, or otherwise remove the Meta AI chatbot, raising concerns over privacy and consumer choice.
So far, Meta AI lacks advanced features in the EU — it's not just annoying, it's also not that great. WhatsApp users across the EU recently saw a conspicuous green, blue, and purple circle show up near the New Chat button, wholly disagreeing with the popular app's classic green color scheme. While WhatsApp has offered Meta AI chatbot access in certain regions for many months, the integration has only just begun to roll out to other markets like Europe.
Concerns Over Meta AI Implementation
It's based on the Llama 3.2 general purpose AI model, or GPAI, and is currently limited to generating or improving message text and answering basic online research questions. Despite not yet being fully functional, EU regulators are already looking into whether the implementation "aligns with EU rules," according to Veronika Cifrová, European Parliament member (via The Standard).
Concerns Over Meta AI Features and Privacy
Meta temporarily halted its AI plans in Europe in June 2024, apparently only now reaching an understanding with regulators to ensure it complies with the EU AI Act. The sweeping legislation requires GPAI to engage in transparent practices that protect individuals' privacy, forcing Meta to revise its chatbot wrapper before letting EU users on board.
On top of the months-long delay, specific Meta AI features like memory personalization and text-based image generation are missing from the app's EU version.
Meta AI Impact on WhatsApp Users
WhatsApp's popularity in Europe makes the app essentially a must-have, creating concerns as users have flooded social media looking for a way to remove all traces of the Meta chatbot. However, users are unable to get rid of it or ignore its presence due to the bold, eye-grabbing colors of the icon.
Meta insists its GPAI compiles data to "identify patterns, like understanding colloquial phrases or local references, not to identify a specific person or their information." Despite these assurances, concerns over privacy implications and lack of user choice remain.
Regulatory Response to Meta AI
The European Commission and EU AI Act don't look fondly on companies restricting users' ability to disable certain, potentially privacy-implicating features. The regulatory body is keeping a close eye on Meta AI's implementation in WhatsApp and its impact on user privacy and choice.
