Discover how to control Meta AI on WhatsApp and limit your data usage
WhatsApp users are looking for ways to control Meta AI, the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot. Although completely disabling the tool is not an option, it is possible to take measures to restrict the presence and use of artificial intelligence in the messaging application.
The impossibility of completely deactivating the chatbot
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Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has made it clear that Meta AI is an integral part of the user experience on the app. The company reported that the artificial intelligence assistant is integrated into the search bar in order to help with various questions, and there is no function to disable it completely. The alternative for those who do not wish to interact with the tool is to simply ignore its presence and continue using traditional search to search for contacts and messages.
Settings to mute the AI assistant
For those who wish to reduce interaction with Meta AI without removing it completely, one of the available options is to mute the conversation with the chatbot. This procedure helps to reduce notifications and keep your chat list more organized.
- Open the app’s home page.
- Select the conversation with Meta AI.
- Tap the bell icon, which usually indicates notification options.
- Choose the “Always” option to have notifications permanently turned off.
- Confirm the decision by tapping “OK”.
Options to archive or delete the Meta AI conversation
In addition to muting, users can choose to archive or delete the Meta AI chat so that it does not appear on the WhatsApp home screen. These actions offer greater visual control over conversations.
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- Select the Meta AI conversation from the WhatsApp home screen.
- Tap the trash icon to delete or the archive icon to hide the conversation.
- If the option chosen was exclusion, you will need to confirm the decision.
It is important to note that, when archiving the conversation, it will remain hidden even when you receive new messages, if the “Keep conversations archived” function is activated in the WhatsApp settings. Even after deleting the conversation, you can start a new chat with Meta AI at any time. In other countries, an option to remove the Meta AI button from WhatsApp search was observed through the settings, but tests carried out in Brazil indicated that this functionality is not yet available in the Android and iOS applications.
Managing the use of data for artificial intelligence training
Meta may use information shared with Meta AI to improve its generative artificial intelligence model. However, users of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook have the right to object to this use. It is possible to fill out a specific form provided by Meta to exercise the right to object to the processing of personal data for AI training. This is an important measure for those looking for greater privacy in relation to their interactions with the chatbot.
Meta AI and its arrival on the Brazilian scene
Meta AI began to be released to Brazilian users in early October, after the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) gave the green light for artificial intelligence training with personal data, as long as user consent is obtained. On WhatsApp, the tool was gradually distributed throughout the month, and the update may take some time to reach all users.
Meta AI features and availability on other platforms
Meta AI is the chatbot developed by Mark Zuckerberg’s company, driven by generative artificial intelligence. With this tool, users can generate texts and request images directly within social media applications, similar to what happens with competitors such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. In addition to its integration with WhatsApp, Meta AI is also available and can be used on the Instagram and Facebook platforms, expanding its functionality to the broader Meta ecosystem.
