Meta AI in WhatsApp

[Roobarb]

I see that Meta AI has appeared in my WhatsApp conversations. I'm aware that AI has some very valid uses but on a personal level I just don't trust it.

I've Googled to see what this function does and as well as using it to search, I can also chat with it. If I want to conduct a search I'll use Google and I'm wondering why on earth I'd want to chat with it.  The chatbots we're subjected to when trying to contact a company are bad enough.

Can anyone tell me what use this would be to me? Or is this directed at GenZ?

[LizzieW]

I noticed it was in my WhatsApp conversations too.  I've tried to cancel it, like I cancel conversations when they're old, but I can't.  It's a bit worrying because I thought WhatsApp was private.

[Roobarb]

I was hoping to cancel it too LizzieW but it seems we're lumbered with it.
Apparently your usual WhatsApp conversations are still end to end encrypted but any 'chat' or search with Meta AI isn't. Similar to Google in that respect I suppose.

[AlanBoyd]

Thanks for the tip: I hadn’t seen this. It really isn’t sinister: think of it as a more sophisticated search function that you can engage with. I asked “What is Rootschat?” and this was the response:

RootsChat is a popular online genealogy forum and community that allows users to connect with others who share similar interests and research goals. The platform provides a space for people to ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate on family history research.

RootsChat was founded in 2003 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most active online genealogy communities, with hundreds of thousands of registered users. The forum is free to use and is supported by a team of volunteer moderators and administrators.

Some of the key features of RootsChat include:

1. Forums: RootsChat has a vast array of forums dedicated to specific topics, such as countries, regions, surnames, and research techniques.
2. Threads: Users can start new threads or respond to existing ones, allowing for discussions and collaborations on various research topics.
3. Profile pages: Users can create profile pages to share information about their research interests, family trees, and contact details.
4. Gallery: RootsChat has a gallery section where users can share photos, documents, and other media related to their research.
5. Resources: The platform provides access to various resources, including research guides, tutorials, and links to external genealogy websites.

RootsChat is an excellent resource for anyone interested in genealogy and family history research, whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher.

[BumbleB]

AlanBoyd - wonderful find, and it is SO TRUE.  Long live RC 

[LizzieW]

The thing is I never do a search on WhatsApp, just use it for family chats.

[Roobarb]

But that's the same as asking Google isn't it? Okay, it gives a lot of information but if I wanted to know the key features of Rootschat or when it was founded, that's what I'd ask.

Not having a go at you AlanBoyd  I'm just wondering why we would need this within WhatsApp. Same as LizzieW, I never do a search on it.

[IanStB]

My general rule with any AI (in consumer forms at least) is to nuke it from orbit. Unfortunately, Meta does not make this possible on their platforms.

[Zaphod99]

This might be of interest:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/06/cant-delete-whatsapp-ai-tool-slippery-slope

Zaph