The assistant, identified by a blue circle in the chat interface, has appeared across many accounts, prompting frustration over the lack of user control.
Meta describes the assistant as a helpful, optional tool capable of answering questions and generating content. However, users report that the assistant appears without consent and cannot be switched off, contradicting Meta’s claims of optionality.
The feature has sparked broader privacy concerns. Experts argue that integrating AI without user consent undermines autonomy and raises the risk of data exploitation.
Some have warned that Meta’s AI systems were trained using content that may not have been legally obtained, including private or copyrighted material.
While Meta insists that personal chats are secure and that AI queries are processed separately, the assistant’s persistent visibility has alarmed many users.
Critics say the rollout exemplifies the growing trend of embedding AI into platforms without sufficient opt-out mechanisms or transparency.
Public reaction has included calls for regulatory oversight and increased user rights in the deployment of AI technologies.
As debates continue over the ethical use of artificial intelligence, the WhatsApp controversy highlights tensions between innovation and individual privacy.
