Two years after its U.S. launch, Meta AI is now available on WhatsApp in Germany. But the AI assistant can’t be turned off—and it’s not just annoying users, it’s also catching the attention of the European Union.
Questions About User Control and Digital Safety
In March 2025, WhatsApp users in Germany noticed a new blue circle appear in their app. Meta, the parent company, had integrated its proprietary AI assistant, Meta AI, into WhatsApp—just like it did earlier with Facebook and Instagram.
Since then, many users have voiced frustration with the feature, especially since it can’t be fully disabled. This has sparked concerns that Meta could be feeding its AI with personal data from private WhatsApp chats. As a result, the European Union is now getting involved.
Slovak politician Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová raised the alarm on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the persistent presence of Meta AI “raises serious questions about user control and digital safety.”
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Escalation to the EU Commission
According to Ostrihoňová, multiple people have contacted her directly with their concerns. She took the matter to a meeting of the EU’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, where she addressed Henna Virkunen, Vice President of the European Commission for Technical Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy.
Ostrihoňová asked whether the Commission was aware of Meta AI’s new functionality in WhatsApp and whether it complies with EU regulations. A formal written inquiry has also been submitted, though a response is still pending.
“I’m truly grateful that we can address such current and important questions constructively and professionally, to ensure that citizens’ rights remain at the center,” said the 36-year-old MEP from the Progressive Slovakia party.
Meta AI Already Limited in the EU
Compared to the U.S.—where Meta AI has been embedded in WhatsApp and other platforms since 2023—the version released in the EU is already more restricted.
In Europe, the AI assistant can only be used for text-based tasks. Unlike other regions, Meta AI is not allowed to generate or edit images within the EU.
Meta says the AI is designed to answer user questions directly within the WhatsApp environment. It can also participate in group chats and, according to Meta, is meant to provide “thought starters or entertainment.”
European Regulation and the Use of AI in Apps like Whatsapp
The primary European regulation that governs the use of AI in apps like WhatsApp is the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). The AI Act regulates the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the European Union. It applies to any provider or user of AI systems that affect EU citizens—even if the company is based outside the EU (like Meta).
High-Risk Data Classification
If Meta AI influences users’ rights, privacy, or safety (e.g. through profiling, automated decisions, or opaque functionality), it could be classified as “high-risk”—requiring strict transparency, human oversight, and documentation.
Transparency Obligations (Article 52)
Apps must inform users clearly when they are interacting with an AI system. If WhatsApp embeds an AI assistant that can’t be disabled or lacks visible boundaries, this could raise non-compliance flags.
Data Privacy and Consent (with GDPR interplay)
If Meta AI processes or learns from users’ chat data, explicit user consent and data minimization principles under GDPR also apply. The AI Act reinforces this by demanding clear user control mechanisms.
Prohibited Practices (Article 5)
Using AI in a way that manipulates user behavior without consent—especially in services like messaging platforms—could risk falling under prohibited AI practices, especially if deployed without opt-out mechanisms.
Other Regulations Also Apply
GDPR – regulates how personal data is collected and processed by AI systems
ePrivacy Directive – governs consent and communication data in electronic services
Digital Services Act (DSA) – may apply if AI-generated content or moderation affects users.
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AI Compliance Checklist for Messaging Platforms in the EU
Here’s how messaging platforms (including Eyre) can be made compliant in Europe – common sense prevails!
1. Transparency & Disclosure
Users are clearly informed when interacting with an AI system
The AI assistant is visibly labeled as non-human
Users understand what the AI does, what it sees, and how it responds
2. User Control & Consent
Users can opt out or disable AI features (not just mute them)
Consent is freely given, specific, and revocable under GDPR
AI must not learn from chat data unless users explicitly agree
3. Data Protection & Minimization
AI processes only data necessary for its function
No unjustified profiling or behavioral inference without legal basis
All processing is documented in the app’s Record of Processing Activities (ROPA)
4. High-Risk Assessment (AI Act Articles 6–9)
Risk level of the AI system is assessed and categorized correctly
If “high-risk,” a conformity assessment is performed
Technical documentation, logs, and human oversight are in place
5. Human Oversight & Redress
AI actions can be reviewed or overridden by a human
Users can contest decisions influenced or made by the AI
Human fallback is clearly explained and accessible
6. Security & Data Residency
Data processed by AI is stored within the EU
Encryption, access control, and audit logs are implemented
Compliance with the ePrivacy Directive for message content
7. Auditability & Documentation
AI model behavior is traceable and explainable
A risk management system for AI use is documented
Logs of AI interactions are retained securely for audit/review
Needless to say, not many (if any!) US-made apps will comply with these regulations. Eyre does, as it’s built entirely in Europe, natively incorporating EU regulations at its core. Give it a try!
How to Disable Meta AI in WhatsApp?
Short answer: You can’t.
However, you can mute the AI. To do this, tap the Meta AI blue circle icon, go to its profile, and select “Mute”. Conversations with the chatbot—either one-on-one or in group chats—can be deleted just like regular chats.
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