WhatsApp has rolled out a new permanent Meta AI button on its platform, with the company asserting that the feature is “entirely optional,” even though it cannot be removed.
This ever-present blue circle adorned with pink and green accents now appears in the bottom right corner of users’ chat screens, drawing criticism from AI critics.
Currently, there is a workaround available, as WhatsApp has noted that users can block Meta AI on a per-chat basis using a feature called “Advanced Chat Privacy.”
According to WhatsApp’s documentation, “When this setting is enabled, you can prevent others from exporting chats, automatically downloading media to their devices, and using messages for AI functionalities.”
Add an extra layer of protection to your chats 🔒 Advanced chat privacy prevents media downloads, blocks chat exports, and keeps your messages between you and your contacts. pic.twitter.com/8wmh2OCgQL
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 23, 2025
To access this setting, users can tap on a chat name and select “Advanced Chat Privacy,” which effectively restricts Meta AI from accessing those specific conversations.
Growing Privacy Concerns
Dr. Kris Shrishak, an advisor on AI and privacy issues, expressed discontent with Meta, telling the BBC, “No one should be compelled to use AI. Its AI models are a violation of privacy by design.”
When users first begin interacting with Meta AI on WhatsApp, they are informed that the chatbot “can only read messages people share with it” and that “Meta cannot read any other messages in your personal chats, as your messages are end-to-end encrypted.”
However, Meta also advises, “Avoid sharing information, including sensitive subjects, about yourself or others that you don’t want the AI to retain and utilize.” This is hardly an ideal or realistic expectation for one of the globe’s leading messaging apps.
As Dr. Shrishak starkly warns, “Every time you use this feature and communicate with Meta AI, remember that one end of the conversation is with Meta, not just your friend.”
Meta Expands AI Integration Across Its Services
Following the EU’s approval to launch its AI products after several months of delays, Meta is diligently incorporating its AI assistant into its entire product range.
Users in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland will soon have the ability to engage with Meta AI through voice commands.
Just recently, the company announced plans to expand Meta AI functionalities on Ray-Ban smart glasses to seven more European nations. The glasses will also include live translation capabilities and the ability to inquire about visible objects for real-time responses.
For WhatsApp users dissatisfied with the persistent AI presence in their chats, there are no straightforward ways to permanently disable it—besides migrating to a different messaging platform.
