Hardly anyone can ignore Meta AI, the new AI assistant from Facebook – how secure is it?
"What's this blue ring for?" you may have recently asked yourself when looking at WhatsApp, Instagram , and Facebook. It's Meta AI, the US internet giant's new AI assistant, which has also been available in Germany since March. It's supposed to make everyday life easier as a personal AI assistant – but it's already causing discontent.
We explain what Meta's blue ring means – and whether you can deactivate the artificial intelligence .
The 3 most important facts about Meta AI
#1 Meta AI raises concerns among European data protection authorities
Meta AI has been available in the US for about a year. In Germany, approval took longer due to the strict EU data protection regulations. Unlike in the US, AI is only allowed to edit text in the EU. Image editing and voice assistants are not available here. While WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted, communication with Meta AI is not – there is virtually no protection for the messages exchanged between machine and human. The terms of use even warn: "Do not share information, especially on sensitive topics, about third parties or yourself that you do not want the AI to store and use."
#2 If you use meta services, you can't avoid Meta AI
Meta AI is automatically linked to your WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook account. Tapping the blue circle opens the chat field. Here, you can ask Meta AI questions or request research. Meta AI's features are therefore very similar to ChatGPT . While the latter must be installed as a standalone app on your smartphone , Meta AI is prominently featured on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
#3 Meta AI can help with these questions
Anyone already familiar with ChatGPT or Google Gemini will quickly find their way around Meta AI. Questions can be typed into the chat field, and the AI assistant will respond in seconds. For example, Meta AI can offer recipe inspiration, compose messages, translate, or give tips on spending free time. However, as VOGUE itself tested, Meta AI cannot send messages to WhatsApp contacts (see screenshot) and states about itself: "Messages are generated by an AI. Some may be false or inappropriate."
Can you turn off Meta AI?
Unfortunately, we have to disappoint you. While you can mute, archive, or delete the chat to minimize contact with Meta AI, the blue ring cannot be removed—and it's just waiting for you to contact us again, potentially collecting data.
Original article appeared on Vogue US
