Amid Backlash Over Meta AI in WhatsApp, Advanced Chat Privacy ...
WhatsApp has introduced a new toggle setting that allows users to opt conversations out of AI usage. Although this feature may not be available to all users yet, it aims to provide enhanced privacy for chats within the messaging app.
Meta AI Integration in WhatsApp
A few weeks ago, users began noticing the blue circle symbolizing Meta AI in WhatsApp. To address concerns regarding the use of chats for training its AI features, Meta has launched Advanced Chat Privacy. This new toggle setting ensures that user chats are excluded from AI features and prevents the downloading of chats or media shared within them.
Rollout of Advanced Chat Privacy
According to Meta's announcement, the Advanced Chat Privacy feature is currently accessible in the latest version of WhatsApp. However, some users have reported not being able to access the feature even after updating. The feature can usually be found by selecting a chat or group conversation and locating the toggle option alongside "Disappearing messages," "Lock chat," and "Encryption."
WhatsApp reassures users that the rollout of this change will occur gradually over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition for all users.
Backlash Against Meta AI
The inclusion of Meta AI in WhatsApp has sparked backlash from some users and privacy advocates. Meta has clarified that the integration of Meta AI is optional, but it cannot be removed from the app's main screen or separated from WhatsApp.
Despite the presence of Meta AI, WhatsApp users can maintain privacy by enabling the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature, which prevents chats from being used for AI purposes. The company spokesperson emphasized that interacting with Meta AI is a user-initiated action and does not compromise the end-to-end encryption of messages sent through the platform.
