WhatsApp defends ‘optional’ AI tool that cannot be turned off

WhatsApp says its new AI feature embedded in the messaging service is “entirely optional” – despite the fact it cannot be removed from the app.

The Meta AI logo is an ever-present blue circle with pink and green splashes in the bottom right of your Chats screen.

Interacting with it opens a chatbot designed to answer your questions, but it has drawn attention and frustration from users who cannot turn it off.

It follows Microsoft’s Recall feature, which was also an always-on tool – before the firm faced a backlash and decided to allow people to disable it.

“We think giving people these options is a good thing and we’re always listening to feedback from our users,” WhatsApp told the BBC.