WhatsApp Introduces AI-Generated Summaries for Private Messages

Meta has unveiled an exciting new feature for WhatsApp: AI-generated summaries that help you catch up on conversations you may have missed.

Now, with just a tap, you can access a concise, bulleted summary of unread messages in any chat, created by Meta’s advanced AI technology. Currently rolling out in English across the U.S., there are plans to expand this feature to more languages and countries later this year. 

Utilizing Meta’s Private Processing technology, this feature ensures your privacy by preventing both Meta and third parties from accessing your messages. WhatsApp emphasizes that these AI message summaries are optional and turned off by default. 

For those who prefer to keep their interactions private, WhatsApp’s “Advanced Privacy” setting allows users to disable AI features in group chats as well. While we await feedback on the accuracy of WhatsApp’s summaries, a concern previously raised with Apple’s AI-generated message overviews, Meta has continued to enhance the app with various AI tools. 

Users can now ask Meta AI questions directly within chats, and there’s even a feature that generates images in real-time. However, some users have expressed frustration over the persistent Meta AI button in the bottom-right corner of the app, which cannot be removed.

To address privacy concerns, the app’s Private Processing creates a secure cloud environment that shields your interactions with the AI model, ensuring that neither Meta nor WhatsApp can view the summaries. 

Moreover, other participants in group chats will not have access to these AI-generated summaries, maintaining your confidentiality.