WhatsApp AI sparks privacy uproar - Africa Briefing
WhatsApp’s latest feature, a built-in artificial intelligence chatbot known as Meta AI, is drawing sharp criticism from users and privacy experts alike—despite Meta’s insistence that the tool is ‘entirely optional’. The chatbot, prominently displayed as a permanent blue circle in the corner of the Chats screen, cannot be removed, prompting frustration across social media platforms.
Controversy Surrounding Meta AI
Users in Europe and beyond have voiced their annoyance at being unable to disable the new tool, which is powered by Meta’s proprietary Llama 4 large language model. The AI assistant is designed to answer questions, provide information, and spark creative ideas—but critics argue its presence is intrusive and raises serious data privacy concerns.
The Meta AI logo appears as a colourful blue, pink, and green circle anchored to the bottom right of the WhatsApp interface. Tapping on it opens the chatbot interface, which also features a search bar labelled ‘Ask Meta AI or Search’. The feature mirrors similar implementations on Facebook Messenger and Instagram—both also owned by Meta.
Data Privacy Concerns
Privacy advocates have condemned the lack of an opt-out option. Dr Kris Shrishak, an AI and privacy adviser, told the BBC that Meta is ‘using people as test subjects for AI’ and accused the tech giant of exploiting its existing user base. ‘No one should be forced to use AI,’ he said. ‘Its AI models are a privacy violation by design.’
Monitoring and Encryption
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) told the BBC that it is monitoring Meta AI’s implementation within WhatsApp closely. ‘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,’ it said, especially when processing children’s data.
Meta has emphasised that regular chats remain end-to-end encrypted and that Meta AI ‘can only read messages people share with it’. However, experts stress that any message sent to the AI is not protected in the same way.
Conclusion
For many, the controversy mirrors the recent backlash against Microsoft’s Recall feature—another always-on tool which was ultimately scaled back following widespread criticism. While Meta maintains that it is listening to user feedback, the lack of a disable option has only deepened the scepticism around the company’s handling of user consent and transparency.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
