WhatsApp Launches 'Secret Chat' for Private AI Conversations

WhatsApp users can now hold temporary, private conversations with the platform's AI assistant through a new feature called "Secret Chat." The tool, launched by parent company Meta, is designed to allow users to ask sensitive questions without leaving a permanent record, as messages automatically vanish once the session concludes.

The system operates within an isolated processing environment that safeguards user privacy during interactions, according to Meta. Conversations are neither stored nor used for future purposes. Meta stated that "Secret Chat" was specifically built for personal, financial, or professional questions that users might not want to remain in their standard chat history.

Each session with the AI within WhatsApp starts from scratch, carrying over no context or data from previous conversations. The company also noted that the technology masks identifying information such as the user's IP address, while messages remain encrypted during processing. They are permanently deleted as soon as the chat is closed.

New Step in AI Integration

This feature represents Meta's latest move to embed artificial intelligence into its apps while emphasizing privacy, particularly in the wake of criticism over data collection and its use in AI services. The company has also revealed it is working on another feature called "Side Chat" with the AI, which will provide smart assistance within existing conversations without revealing the content of messages to Meta itself.

The "Secret Chat" feature is expected to roll out gradually to WhatsApp and Meta AI users in the coming months.