Read receipts displayed even when toggled off

I just upgraded my device to the iPhone 12 Pro. It is on the most up to date version, 14.3.

I noticed that read receipts are on, despite the toggle having never been on before.

Ive tried toggling it off and on and off.

Ive tried restarting.

I don’t know what else to do. I do not like this feature and prefer it off. I googled this and it seems it’s been a big since 14.1.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

G