TL;DR
Meta has introduced a new AI account on Threads that users cannot block, despite widespread frustration. The feature aims to provide quick context but raises concerns about user control and privacy.
Meta has confirmed that users cannot block its new AI account on Threads, a move that has sparked widespread user frustration and raised questions about platform control over AI features.
On Tuesday, Meta announced it is testing a new feature on Threads that allows users to tag a Meta AI account for quick answers or context during conversations. The feature, initially available as a test in countries including Argentina, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore, enables users to ask questions like “why is everyone obsessed with matcha” or “how do you pronounce ‘Cannes’?”.
However, users quickly discovered that there is no option to block the Meta AI account, a feature typically available for other accounts on the platform. Attempts to block the AI account resulted in errors, and many users expressed their dissatisfaction on Threads, with the issue trending as a topic with over one million posts, according to reports from Engadget.
Meta spokesperson Christine Pai told The Verge that users can manage their Meta AI experience by muting or hiding AI replies or using the ‘Not interested’ option on AI posts, but emphasized that blocking is not currently available.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it highlights a shift in user control over AI features on social media platforms. The inability to block Meta’s AI account could impact user privacy, content moderation, and overall platform trust, especially as AI becomes more integrated into social media interactions.
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Background
Meta has heavily invested in AI, spending billions on talent and new models, including Muse Spark launched in April. The company aims to integrate AI across its apps and services, with Threads now featuring a dedicated AI account. User reactions reflect broader concerns about transparency and control over AI on social media, a debate that has intensified as platforms experiment with AI features.
“We want to give people a way to quickly gather context before jumping into the conversation, but if you want to see fewer Meta AI replies in your Threads feed you can mute or hide Meta AI replies, or use the ‘Not interested’ option on any Meta AI post.”
— Meta spokesperson Christine Pai
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether Meta plans to introduce a blocking feature for its AI account in the future or if the current inability to block is intentional. The company’s long-term approach to user control over AI interactions on Threads is still uncertain.
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What’s Next
Meta is likely to continue testing the AI feature and may consider adding blocking or additional control options based on user feedback. Monitoring updates from Meta will be crucial to see if user control options expand in future iterations.
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Key Questions
Why can’t users block Meta’s AI account on Threads?
Meta has not provided a detailed explanation, but currently, the platform does not offer a blocking option for its AI account, possibly to ensure AI responses are always available for quick context.
Can users mute or hide Meta AI replies?
Yes, users can mute or hide AI replies or use the ‘Not interested’ option to reduce AI interactions in their feed, according to Meta spokesperson Christine Pai.
Is blocking the Meta AI account available on other platforms?
Blocking options generally exist for other accounts on social media platforms, but Meta has not enabled this feature for its AI account on Threads during the testing phase.
Will Meta add a blocking feature for AI accounts in the future?
It is not yet clear if Meta plans to introduce blocking capabilities for its AI account, as the company has not announced any such updates.
