WhatsApp is introducing a new AI-powered Writing Help feature. Rolling out to users now, Writing Help allows users to draft messages using Meta AI, similar to how it’s implemented on other Meta platforms.
The Writing Help feature is being powered by Private Processing, which ensures that all messages are completely private despite the use of Meta AI. The feature incorporates AI to draft messages in various tones, including supportive, professional, or humorous.
Within a one-on-one DM thread or group chat, users can tap the new pencil icon and begin typing a message. Meta AI will then suggest rephrasing the message in different tones and styles. At launch, the feature is rolling out in English to users in the US but is expanding to “other languages and countries later this year.” Assumedly, this means Canadians won’t be waiting too long to gain access.
Privacy can be an obvious concern when AI is incorporated. WhatsApp is maintaining its end-to-end encryption. Meta AI will interact with messages and suggest rewrites without anyone else seeing them, according to the company. “WhatsApp’s core privacy promise, ensure no one except you and the people you’re talking to can access or share your personal messages.”
NCC Group and Trail of Bits have published their audit reports on WhatsApp and its privacy-preserving technology.
Both the new Writing Help feature as well as Message Summaries (which also uses AI) are off by default when accessible. As they are completely optional, WhatsApp encourages users to only turn them on if they wish to use them.
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