WhatsApp has recently introduced Meta AI for basic chat and research tasks within the European Union, yet this move is facing scrutiny from the European Commission. A major concern arises from the fact that users are unable to opt out of or fully disable the Meta AI chatbot, sparking debates over privacy and consumer choice. As of now, Meta AI’s capabilities in the EU are limited, which has led to frustration among users. The familiar green color scheme of WhatsApp has been disrupted by the addition of a bright green, blue, and purple circle near the New Chat button, possibly turning off many users.
While the Meta AI chatbot has been available in some regions for months, its rollout to Europe is relatively new. It relies on the Llama 3.2 general purpose AI model, currently capable of generating or enhancing message text and answering basic online inquiries. The implementation of Meta AI is already drawing the attention of EU regulators, who are investigating whether it aligns with EU laws, as highlighted by European Parliament member Veronika Cifrová. In June 2024, Meta paused its AI projects in Europe, and it has only recently begun discussions with regulators to ensure compliance with the EU AI Act.
This legislation mandates transparent practices to safeguard individual privacy, requiring Meta to modify its chatbot features before launching in the EU. Despite the limited functionality, users have expressed desire to remove the Meta AI chatbot, feeling it is unnecessary amid WhatsApp’s massive popularity. There are reports of users struggling to ignore the conspicuous icon, and the future of additional Meta AI features remains uncertain. Moreover, even though claims state that data compiled by the chatbot does not invade private messages, skepticism among users about privacy remains high.
Many simply want a messaging app that excels in its primary function without unnecessary features that may complicate the user experience.
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