WhatsApp Tests Feature to Chat With Five AI Agents

WhatsApp is testing another AI focused feature that could change how users access artificial intelligence services through the messaging app.

The feature is currently being rolled out gradually to a limited number of users on the Android beta version. If introduced widely, users will be able to chat with third party AI agents without leaving WhatsApp.

Unlike WhatsApp itself, these AI agents will be developed and operated by independent companies and developers. WhatsApp will mainly provide the platform through which users can access them.

Users will reportedly be able to connect up to five third party AI agents at the same time. If someone wants to add another agent after reaching the limit, one of the existing agents will have to be removed first.

There is an important privacy point users should understand before trying the feature. Conversations with third party AI agents will not have the same end to end encryption protection available for regular WhatsApp personal messages and calls.

Messages sent to these AI services may instead be processed and stored according to the policies of the companies operating the respective agents. WhatsApp will not have the same control over how these third party services handle user data.

For that reason, users should check the privacy policy and terms of an AI agent before starting a conversation, especially when sharing personal or sensitive information.

The move is part of Meta’s wider push to bring more AI services into its applications. If the feature expands beyond beta testing, WhatsApp users could have access to several AI tools from within the app itself, without switching between different platforms.