Italy’s data protection authority has launched an investigation into Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, accusing it of “imposing” its new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on WhatsApp users without proper consent or transparency.
The Italian watchdog, known as the Garante, said Meta may have failed to clearly inform users about how their personal data would be used when introducing its AI-powered assistant, similar to ChatGPT. The chatbot, which has been gradually rolled out across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, is meant to help users with tasks, answer questions, and even create content. But regulators say users weren’t given a real choice to opt in or understand how their information might be processed.
In simple terms, Italy is saying: Meta might have pushed this AI tool onto people without asking them first or explaining how their private data would be used.
The concern isn’t about AI itself, but about trust and choice. Under European Union law (specifically the GDPR), companies must be open about how they use personal information and must get permission before doing so. If Meta is found in violation, it could face heavy fines or be forced to change how it operates in Europe.
If you’re a WhatsApp user in Italy — or anywhere in the EU — this affects your rights. People deserve to know when AI is interacting with them and have the option to say no. Technology should be helpful, not intrusive.
This case highlights a growing tension between innovation and privacy. As AI becomes more common in everyday apps, watchdogs are making sure that companies don’t sacrifice human rights in the name of convenience.
Meta says it is cooperating with Italian authorities and that the chatbot does not affect private conversations. But the investigation is ongoing.
AI can be useful, but only if people are treated fairly and honestly. This case is a reminder that we all deserve to know what’s happening with our data — and to have a say in it.
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