The news came quickly and unexpectedly: Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, has introduced a new function in Europe that is dangerously shaking up users' privacy. In future, it will be possible to chat with an AI in Messenger - and not just in writing, but also by voice. However, what sounds like a practical helper to many harbors immense risks. This is because the data recorded by the AI not only ends up on Meta's servers, but could also be shared with other parties. And there is even a feature where the AI simply listens in - even if you are not talking to it.
What's new about meta messengers?
Meta recently announced that new AI assistants are being introduced in WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger in 41 European countries. What initially sounds like a practical gadget could quickly become the new normal in digital communication. The AI will not only answer simple text messages, but also respond in voice form and even edit photos.
But that's not all: in group chats, the AI will become active on request in future - by users simply entering "@MetaAI". The AI will access the "public internet" and also posts and videos from people you are connected to on meta platforms. Another step towards an even more connected and monitored digital world.
Data protection: a risk to privacy?
With the introduction of AI in Messenger services, Meta has announced that data such as device and connection information will now be passed on to the company. Particularly explosive: the AI can not only access text messages, but also process voice recordings. And this is where the big concerns come in - WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, but this encryption makes little sense for communication with the AI. The conversation histories with the AI are saved and are used to train the system.
Although Meta assures users that this data is only used for improvement purposes, many users are concerned that this information could ultimately fall into the hands of third parties.
One step too many: AI is always listening in
The situation becomes even more explosive with a new test feature that can already be found in the WhatsApp beta version: "Voice First". Here, the AI is activated and starts eavesdropping on the user as soon as the function is opened. And the worst part? The AI continues to listen, even if you have long since stopped talking to it and simply leave the app open. It seems that in future Meta will rely on the AI being constantly present and available at all times - and always listening in. What happens to this voice data? It is not only stored in the cloud, but could also be accessed by third parties such as the US government.
A wake-up call for digital self-determination
Meta's initiative shows how serious the threat to privacy in the digital world has become. Calls for more control and transparency over personal data are growing louder, and rightly so. While AI assistants can undeniably offer many benefits, the price for this convenience must not be the complete surrender of privacy. Meta may question how much data it can collect to improve the user experience - but we should ask ourselves how much of our data we are willing to give up just to enjoy a little more convenience.
Is the price of comfort worth our privacy?
Sure, technology is advancing - but at what cost? It is time for us as a society to draw a clear line. We must not simply allow ourselves to drift into a world of constant surveillance just because it sounds "practical". Technology may be the future, but the question is what future we actually want.
