Uninvited AI: Meta Turns WhatsApp into a Testing Ground

Tapping this icon initiates a one-on-one chat with “Meta AI,” a chatbot positioned as a rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This bot is now also integrated into Windows 11 and Apple’s Siri on newer iPhones.

When trying to mention friends or family in messages by typing the @ symbol, WhatsApp now suggests Meta AI as well. Mentioning the chatbot in a group conversation allows all participants to see the original query and the AI’s response.

Meta claims that only its AI can access messages containing the @MetaAI command, asserting that personal messages with friends and family remain private — though the chatbot does respond to user prompts.

Meta AI has also been rolled out to other major services such as Messenger and Instagram. However, it seems WhatsApp — with over 2.5 billion users — has triggered the most backlash.

Meta AI can answer general questions, edit texts, suggest recipes, generate travel itineraries, and even create images and GIFs based on user input — much like ChatGPT.

WhatsApp users must begin their message with the word "imagine" to activate the image generation feature. The tool can generate both static visuals and animated GIFs, offering content not available elsewhere.

Frustrated users have flooded social media with complaints about the new feature.
One Reddit user wrote: “What’s the point of having a chatbot in a messaging app? It’s genuinely annoying.”

Another commented: “The search function is infuriating. I just want to find someone’s name — not ask GPT to generate an image.”
A user on X (formerly Twitter) added: “Does anyone else feel like their phone now has a clingy, annoying roommate?”

Many have described the feature as “buggy,” “useless,” and “intrusive.”

Despite widespread criticism, Meta has no plans to allow removal of the new icon. The company insists the feature is entirely “optional,” despite the fact that the icon cannot be hidden or removed. WhatsApp’s settings on both Android and iOS currently offer no option to relocate or disable the Meta AI button.

A Meta spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph, “We believe offering these tools is a good thing, and we always listen to user feedback to improve WhatsApp.”

Meta emphasizes that private messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption. The company has likened the addition of Meta AI to other permanent chat features such as Channels and Status — although those remain outside the main chat list.

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) told the BBC it will monitor Meta AI’s use and its handling of personal data.



Meta has integrated its AI chatbot, Meta AI, into WhatsApp via a mandatory update, sparking backlash from users. The feature, marked by an unremovable glowing icon, allows users to chat with the bot and generate content using commands. Despite criticism over privacy and usability, Meta insists the tool is optional and secure
 

Source: MedadPress
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