WhatsApp’s New AI Feature: Private Processing

Private Processing is WhatsApp’s latest feature, utilising AI technology to assist users in managing unread messages in both individual and group chats.

Overview of Private Processing Feature

WABetaInfo initially identified this feature in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.18.18. It includes a “Summarise with Meta AI” button that emerges when a user has multiple unread messages. By tapping on this button, users receive a brief, AI-generated summary of the ongoing conversation, allowing them to catch up quickly without the necessity of scrolling through all messages.

Privacy Measures in AI Summaries

Reports indicate that these summaries are prepared in a privacy-protected environment. Meta asserts that no message contents are stored or associated with user identities. All processing takes place within a secure, isolated cloud infrastructure, and the data is purged immediately after the summary is produced. In some instances, this function might even be processed locally, employing encrypted routing and anonymised request handling to enhance user privacy further.

User Control Over AI Features

The AI summary tool operates on an opt-in basis; users can manually adjust the settings through the app’s Private Processing section. It remains switched off by default in chats where the “Advanced Chat Privacy” option is active, ensuring the preferences of users who opt out of AI functionalities are respected. This is crucial, even though the processing method itself does not jeopardise message confidentiality.

Additional AI Tools in Development

In addition to the summarisation feature, WhatsApp is also working on another AI-driven tool named Writing Help. This tool is designed to enhance the tone and clarity of messages prior to sending. Similar to the summarisation functionality, it will function within the Private Processing framework, maintaining high standards of data protection.

Current Availability and Future Rollout

At present, both features are accessible solely to a restricted group of beta testers on Android devices, and WhatsApp has not provided an official timeline for wider release or support on iOS devices. Nevertheless, a broader rollout is anticipated in the upcoming weeks as the company continually tests and improves these innovative tools.