Introduction:
Disable Meta AI in WhatsApp — this has become much easier since April 2025. The messenger is gradually rolling out the extended chat privacy setting, allowing users to block the AI in specific conversations. This update is part of WhatsApp’s broader push to give people more control and transparency over AI features. While you still can’t switch Meta AI off entirely, this feature marks an important step toward more autonomy and privacy.
Disable Meta AI in WhatsApp with Extended Chat Privacy:
Since April 2025, WhatsApp has been introducing a new privacy control worldwide: extended chat privacy. This lets users selectively disable Meta AI in certain chats without losing access to all AI-powered tools elsewhere.
Activating it is straightforward. Open the desired chat, head to Chat Settings, and toggle on “Extended Chat Privacy.” From that point onward, Meta AI will no longer automatically respond, offer suggestions, or scan the conversation to generate prompts in that specific thread.
According to WABetaInfo, the rollout begins in Europe, North America, and select Asian markets, with beta testers getting first access before a wider release in the coming months. This staggered launch mirrors WhatsApp’s earlier introduction of end-to-end encryption in 2016, which also relied on gradual deployment to identify technical issues early.
Impact and Best Practices for Using Meta AI:
Being able to disable Meta AI on a per-chat basis offers both practical and psychological benefits. A recent Digital Privacy Report 2025 survey found that 62% of respondents felt more comfortable when AI assistants weren’t silently reading or analysing their messages. This is especially relevant in sensitive conversations — whether personal or professional — where privacy and confidentiality are crucial.
That said, there are situations where keeping Meta AI active still makes sense. In group chats used for scheduling or coordinating projects, AI can help summarise discussions or quickly align calendars. The new setting allows for this kind of flexible, context-driven control.
Privacy advocates welcome the move. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has stated that granular user controls are a key part of modern privacy standards. Still, experts caution that selective disabling is just one part of the puzzle. “Users need to understand how AI features work behind the scenes in order to make informed decisions,” explains Dr. Sofia Kraus, IT law specialist at the University of Vienna.
Looking ahead, WhatsApp is expected to offer more ways to globally manage Meta AI or customise its functionality in detail. For now, extended chat privacy remains the most effective and accessible solution for limiting AI involvement where it matters most.
Conclusion:
The introduction of extended chat privacy is a significant win for anyone wanting to disable Meta AI in WhatsApp without sacrificing the messenger’s full feature set. It boosts privacy, enhances trust, and allows for a more tailored messaging experience.
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