Why Meta AI on WhatsApp is dangerous: Should you stop using it?

Meta AI has officially arrived on WhatsApp, bringing with it both convenience and significant concerns. While this new tool promises instant access to information and AI-powered conversations, many users are questioning whether it’s truly safe to use. Security experts warn that the integration may come at a high cost, particularly regarding data privacy and device performance.

The privacy risks of Meta AI on WhatsApp

Unlike regular WhatsApp chats, interactions with Meta AI are not end-to-end encrypted. This means that your questions and shared content can be stored and analyzed by Meta to improve its systems. The absence of encryption makes it more vulnerable to potential data leaks or misuse, a point repeatedly emphasized by cybersecurity professionals.

Moreover, Meta AI runs constantly in the background. Even if you’re not actively using it, you cannot completely remove or deactivate it from the app, which raises concerns about passive data collection and user autonomy. The AI’s persistent presence, shown as a blue circle or standalone chat, can feel intrusive to many users.

Performance and reliability issues

Beyond security, users have reported that Meta AI consumes additional phone resources, including battery and mobile data. This is especially problematic for older devices, where the performance hit becomes more noticeable. Adding to that, the AI often provides outdated or imprecise responses, diminishing its reliability as a helpful assistant.

While you can’t uninstall Meta AI, you can avoid it by not interacting with the chat and archiving the conversation, keeping it out of sight. Most importantly, never send sensitive personal information through its chat window, as it may not be securely handled.