Meta AI, the artificial intelligence assistant from Meta, has recently made its debut on WhatsApp in Spain, marked by a blue circle appearing in the chat window. This new feature, which began rolling out around April 13, 2025, is designed to enhance user interaction within the messaging app, allowing for a range of functionalities without needing to leave the platform.
Despite its potential benefits, many users have expressed discomfort with the sudden appearance of Meta AI, leading to a demand for options to deactivate or remove the feature. However, as of now, there is no official method to eliminate the blue circle or the assistant itself from WhatsApp.
For those who wish to minimize the presence of Meta AI, both Android and iPhone users can delete or archive the conversation with Meta AI. On Android, users can do this by pressing and holding the chat and then tapping the trash icon to confirm deletion. iPhone users can swipe the conversation to the left and select 'Eliminar' (Delete). Alternatively, archiving the chat is also an option, which effectively removes it from the main conversation list while retaining the chat for future reference.
The introduction of Meta AI is part of a broader initiative by the company, which encompasses its platforms including Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, and aims to make these applications more intelligent and interactive. Officially announced by Meta, the rollout of this AI assistant includes support for six European languages, including Spanish, and is now available in over 60 countries.
Meta AI is built on the Llama 3.2 framework and allows users to conduct queries, generate images, receive quick responses, and maintain conversations directly within WhatsApp. This integration provides a seamless experience, as users can interact with the AI without needing to switch to a different app.
Some of the key functionalities of Meta AI include:
- Text Interaction: Users can ask questions in natural language, such as “Is it going to rain today in Sevilla?” or “When does Real Madrid play?” Meta AI processes these requests and provides updated information.
- Voice Commands: The AI also supports voice input, allowing users to ask questions verbally through the microphone feature in WhatsApp.
- Image Recognition: Users can upload images to receive information related to the content, such as identifying objects or translating text.
- Basic Image Editing: Although still in early stages, Meta AI includes basic image editing capabilities, enabling users to make quick adjustments directly from their mobile devices.
Despite these features, the automatic activation of Meta AI has sparked concerns regarding user privacy and data security. Many users are apprehensive about the lack of control over the AI’s activation and the implications it may have on their personal data. The integration of Meta AI raises questions about compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates clear user consent for data processing. Meta justifies the automatic activation by citing a “legitimate interest” in enhancing user experience.
As a precaution, users are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information with Meta AI. While the AI cannot read personal messages due to end-to-end encryption, it is still prudent for users to remain cautious.
In summary, Meta AI's arrival in Spain represents a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence within social media platforms. While it offers numerous functionalities aimed at improving user interaction, the lack of options to deactivate or remove the feature has left some users feeling uneasy. As Meta continues to refine its AI capabilities, it remains to be seen how user feedback will shape the future of Meta AI and its presence in popular messaging applications.
