WhatsApp has defended its new AI feature, embedded in the messaging service, as “entirely optional” despite users being unable to remove it from the app.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Meta AI logo, a blue circle with pink and green splashes, is visible on the Chats screen and opens a chatbot designed to answer questions.
Users have expressed frustration with the feature, which cannot be turned off. Dr. Kris Shrishak, an adviser on AI and privacy, criticized Meta for “exploiting its existing market” and “using people as test subjects for AI.” “No one should be forced to use AI,” he said.
The AI chatbot is powered by Llama 4, one of Meta’s large language models. When tested, the feature provided a detailed weather report but also generated an incorrect link. WhatsApp says it is listening to user feedback and notes that the feature is being rolled out to some countries.
The Information Commissioner’s Office said it would monitor the adoption of Meta AI’s technology and use of personal data within WhatsApp.
“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.
