Ditching Meta AI: A Guide to Hiding the AI Bot on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook
- Authored by Malte Mansholt
- Reading Time: Approx. 2 mins
To disable the AI bot with the blue icon on WhatsApp messenger application. - Avoiding the Meta AI in WhatsApp's messages: Strategies for preventing AI-generated replies from appearing
The ever-present little blue ring is now a familiar sight, popping up two years after its U.S. debut: Meta AI has finally made its way to German users of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This bot aids in searches, drafts messages, and answers queries. You might be wondering, "How can I kick it to the curb?"
Sadly, the solution isn't exactly satisfying: As of now, Meta AI can't be fully deactivated. There's no such option available in settings or the chat with the bot. However, there's a workaround - silencing the bot.
Quelling Meta AI in WhatsApp: The Mute Button
To achieve this, simply tap on the blue ring in the chat overview to open the chat with Meta AI. Instead of typing something, tap on the name at the top edge. Now, the settings for this chat will appear, just like they would with a human chat partner. Select the "Mute" option to disable the chatbot for a specified duration or permanently.
Although it doesn't vanish entirely, the blue ring will still be visible in the chat overview. However, muting has a significant advantage over simply ignoring the bot: If someone adds the bot to a group chat, it will also be muted for you there as well.
Similar steps can be taken for chats on Instagram and Facebook. Unfortunately, Meta AI can't be avoided entirely: It has integrated itself into the search bar at the top of the chats.
AI's Frustration with the EU
The delayed arrival of Meta AI in Europe is due to privacy concerns that required addressing. Meta asserts that data from the chats is not utilized to train the AI—except for the data sent directly to the AI bot.
Compared to the U.S., the usage scope is limited here. For instance, it's not feasible to automatically transcribe voice messages (learn more about this feature here). A function to condense lengthy group chats is also absent at this time.
Source: Meta
- Artificial Intelligence
Enrichment Insights:
While it's not possible to completely disable Meta AI on these platforms currently, users can manage its presence and limit its impact. Here's how you can minimize Meta AI's footprint for each platform:
- Remove or Archive Meta AI Chat: To detach the Meta AI assistant from your chat list, delete or archive the conversation.
- For Android: Open WhatsApp, locate the Meta AI chat, long press on it, and select "Delete" or "Archive."
- For iPhone: Open WhatsApp, swipe left on the Meta AI chat, and pick between "Delete" or "Archive."
- Note: This action hides the assistant from the user interface but may not eradicate it from the app.
- Mute AI Responses: As there's no direct method to turn off Meta AI, you can mute AI-generated responses in chats on Instagram, although specific steps to mute AI responses are not well-documented. You can limit AI interactions by steering clear of features that utilize AI.
- Tame AI Features: To minimize Meta AI's influence on Facebook, avoid using AI-related features or mute AI-generated suggestions in chats.
- Step 1: Open Facebook.
- Step 2: Identify AI-related features in the search bar or chat.
- Step 3: Avoid using these features or mute them if possible.
Tips for Users:
- Avoid Engaging with AI Features: Minimize Meta AI's reach by avoiding AI-related features or interacting with AI-generated content.
- Privacy Settings: Review your privacy settings on each platform to control data access and usage.
- Alternative Apps: Consider employing alternate apps that don't integrate AI assistants if privacy concerns are paramount.
The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the draft directive regarding artificial-intelligence, considering its impact on various aspects, including privacy concerns.
Simultaneously, users who wish to limit the influence of AI, such as Meta AI, on their WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook accounts have several options to manage its presence.
