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Recent developments surrounding WhatsApp have focused on user concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) integration and enhanced privacy controls. meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is currently facing scrutiny from European regulators over a new policy that may restrict third-party AI service providers from integrating with the platform, as highlighted in an official statement. Simultaneously,WhatsApp is rolling out new features designed to give users greater control over their data and interaction security.
How to Disable AI Features on WhatsApp
Meta‘s integration of AI into WhatsApp, beginning with the introduction of an AI assistant, has prompted many users to seek ways to limit or disable these features. While a complete removal of Meta AI isn’t currently possible, several steps can be taken to minimize its presence.
For Android users, the process typically involves navigating to WhatsApp Settings > Chats (or Chat settings) > Show AI Meta button and deactivating the toggle. However, the availability of this option varies depending on the user’s region.
iOS users can follow a similar path: Settings > Chats > Show AI Meta Button, and toggling the switch will hide the dedicated button.
Beyond this, Meta offers limited official options. Users can attempt to manage AI interactions by silencing notifications, archiving the Meta AI chat, or avoiding AI-powered suggestions within the search bar.
Some users have explored unofficial methods like modifying the app’s APK (Android) or clearing the cache (iOS), but these practices carry risks to app security and stability and are not recommended. Blocking or restricting the Meta AI profile, or uninstalling and reinstalling older versions of WhatsApp are also discouraged.
Due to the variability of available options, providing universally applicable instructions is challenging.Users experiencing app instability are advised to check for updates or contact WhatsApp customer support. Currently, a complete removal of Meta AI from WhatsApp is not officially supported.
Four moves to Enhance Your Privacy on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has recently implemented changes aimed at bolstering user security and privacy. Following the introduction of usernames as an option to phone numbers, a new feature called ‘Privacy Checkup’ is being rolled out to provide users with more granular control over their settings.
‘Privacy Checkup’ simplifies the process of managing privacy preferences. Users can now more precisely control who can view their profile photo and last seen status, manage their information, and carefully oversee their group participation.
The new feature is accessible through WhatsApp Settings and presents four key options:
* ‘Choose who can contact you’: Allows users to define who can initiate conversations.
* ‘Check your personal information’: enables review and adjustment of personal data displayed on the platform.
* ‘Add more privacy to your chats’: Provides options for enhancing privacy within individual and group chats.
* ‘Protect your account more’: Offers tools to strengthen account security.
With these updates, WhatsApp aims to empower users to proactively manage their privacy and security, fostering a safer communication surroundings.
