WhatsApp’s Unskippable AI Assistant Sparks Privacy Concerns

In a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into everyday communication, WhatsApp has rolled out a new AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI, for millions of users. This virtual assistant, developed by Meta and using the powerful Llama 3 large language model, now appears by default in the app’s search bar, offering instant answers, information, and suggestions—even if users don’t want it.

What’s frustrating users the most is that the new AI feature is not optional. The Meta AI shortcut can’t be removed or hidden, and it replaces the traditional contact-based search functionality, making it feel more like an embedded service than a helpful feature. While some users might appreciate the instant AI access for tasks like summarizing information or generating content, others see it as an unwanted intrusion, especially amid growing concerns over data privacy and algorithmic transparency.

With Meta trying to position its AI offerings alongside heavyweights like Google and OpenAI, WhatsApp users are now caught in the middle of a broader AI push that’s reshaping social and messaging platforms—whether they like it or not.