Meta Working on AI Chat and "AI Character" in WhatsApp
Meta is working on bringing AI chat to WhatsApp, according to code found in the mobile app. The code strings suggest that users will be able to chat with different AI characters, and that Meta may use AI messages to improve AI quality. However, Meta has stressed that personal messages will never be sent to Meta and cannot be read.
The code strings also suggest that AI chat will be end-to-end encrypted, meaning that Meta cannot read or listen to the other messages and calls in the chat.
Here are some of the code strings that were found in the WhatsApp mobile app:
"We'll let you know when you can talk to different characters and use AI in chats."
"Get early access to AI chats"
"Messages are generated by Meta AI."
"Meta may use your Al messages to improve AI quality. But your personal messages are never sent to Meta. They can't be read and remain end-to-end encrypted."
"New AI Chat"
"This AI chat uses a secure technology from Meta. Tap to learn more."
"When you mention [name of AI bot], the AI generates a response. Meta can't read or listen to the other messages and calls in this chat, because they are end-to-end encrypted."
"Generating AI stickers."
"Chat with an AI"
"AI Character"
It is unclear when Meta plans to launch AI chat in WhatsApp. However, Financial Times says that the “Personas” chat feature could launch this month.
In addition to the code strings found in the WhatsApp mobile app, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also hinted at the company's plans for AI chat in Messenger and WhatsApp. Zuckerberg said that Meta is building a new top-level product group to integrate generative AI into its services used by billions of users. He said that the team will focus on building creative tools at first, but its long-term goal is to create "AI personas that can help people in a variety of ways."
It is possible that Meta's AI chat and AI Character features in WhatsApp could be similar to Character.ai, an A16Z startup and ChatGPT, a prototype AI chatbot developed by OpenAI.
If Meta is able to successfully launch AI chat in WhatsApp, it could be a major new way for people to interact with the messaging app. AI chat could be used for customer service, education, entertainment, and more.