Meta’s New AI Feature: A Chatbot That Users Can’t Escape
In the digital world, new features are often met with excitement—except when they seem to infringe on user rights. Recently, Meta rolled out a new AI-powered chatbot across its popular platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, but the feature has quickly sparked controversy. Users are particularly upset by the fact that this new tool, known as Meta AI, cannot be disabled or easily removed from their apps.
Since March, Meta users have noticed the appearance of a brightly colored circle, which glows in hues of blue, pink, and green, across their screens. This circle signifies the presence of Meta AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot that operates as a conversational assistant. While the concept of a helpful digital assistant might sound appealing, the backlash stems from how the feature was introduced and the lack of transparency regarding its impact on user privacy.
What is Meta AI and How Does It Work?
Meta AI is essentially a chatbot powered by Llama, a large language model developed by Meta. The assistant is designed to help users with a variety of tasks, such as brainstorming ideas, planning group trips, or settling arguments within chats. In essence, it functions like any other chatbot by responding to queries, aiming to make interactions more engaging and efficient.
The tool was first introduced in the U.S. in September 2023, and this year, it became accessible to users in Europe. Available in multiple languages—including French, German, and Spanish—the Meta AI feature is now found across all Meta-owned applications, including Messenger and Instagram. It has even expanded to Ray-Ban smart glasses in several European countries, adding an extra layer of accessibility for users.
However, the controversy arose not from the AI’s capabilities but from the way it was integrated. Meta has made the feature available by default in its apps, and users are unable to remove it. This has frustrated many, especially those who feel that they should have the option to decide whether or not they want the chatbot present in their conversations.
Users React: A Growing Sense of AI Fatigue
Many users have voiced their frustration with the feature being forcibly included in their apps. The inability to delete the AI assistant has triggered a wave of complaints, with some users even seeking guidance on how to disable it via online forums, like Reddit. This sense of “AI fatigue” is becoming more widespread as new applications and features powered by artificial intelligence continue to pop up, often without clear consent from users.
Kleanthi Sardeli, a data protection lawyer for the European nonprofit NOYB, has voiced significant concerns about the feature. Sardeli argues that Meta’s decision to include the AI assistant by default is a violation of user privacy. She criticized the company for not giving users a chance to opt in, as required under data protection regulations.
“The fact that the feature cannot be disabled is a clear violation of the obligation of Meta to implement measures that respect user privacy by design,” Sardeli told Euronews Next. “Meta is forcing this new feature upon users and trying to avoid what would be the lawful path forward, asking users for their consent,” she added.
Meta has also come under fire for being vague about how it uses user data to train its AI model. Sardeli pointed out that Meta has not been transparent enough with users regarding how their personal information is being utilized, especially when it comes to training the underlying AI system.
Privacy Concerns and How Users Can Respond
While the chatbot cannot be disabled, users do have a few ways to manage the feature. In WhatsApp, for instance, users can mute the Meta AI chat by long-pressing on the chat and selecting the mute option. Additionally, users who are uncomfortable with their data being used to train the AI model can submit an objection request via a dedicated form.
For those seeking a more drastic step, some websites suggest downgrading the app on Android devices to an older version that doesn’t feature the chatbot. However, this approach is not recommended, particularly for iOS users, as it may compromise device security and expose users to other risks.
Meta’s Ambitious AI Rollout
Despite the backlash, Meta has made it clear that Meta AI is here to stay, aiming to integrate the feature across all its platforms. The company is positioning its AI assistant as a tool to enhance user experience, offering help with both practical tasks and fun interactions. Yet, the feature’s mandatory nature has undermined its intended purpose for many users who value privacy and autonomy in their digital interactions.
The ongoing rollout of Meta AI shows the company’s ambition to remain at the forefront of AI development in consumer applications. However, the current controversy highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with user rights, particularly in the context of data protection. As the feature continues to spread, it remains to be seen whether Meta will adjust its approach to user consent and privacy in response to the growing criticism.
For now, users will have to decide whether to embrace this new AI assistant or continue to push back against a technology that they feel has been thrust upon them without their consent.
