WhatsApp preparing to add third-party AI agents

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to add third-party AI agents directly to their chats. The feature is reportedly rolling out to a limited number of Android beta users initially.

With this feature, users won’t need to leave WhatsApp to talk to an AI agent. Once the agent is set up, it will be available in the chat list like a regular contact.

According to reports, the option to add an AI agent can be given in WhatsApp’s settings. Here, users will be able to choose the agent’s name and profile picture, as well as create an API for it, which can be used with the platform hosting the respective AI bot.

WhatsApp also plans to limit the number of AI agents that can be added to an account. This will allow users to have separate bots for different tasks, such as one for scheduling and another for customer support, without having to go to another app to use them.

Regarding privacy, it has been stated that the AI ​​agent added by the user will not be given access to other chats of the account. It will only be able to see the conversation that will take place between the user and it, while the rest of the chats and account information will remain out of its reach.

However, end-to-end encryption will not be available in conversations with AI agents. This is because the connection between the user and the AI ​​agent will be established through Meta's service, which will connect the bot to its respective developer.