WhatsApp is testing chats with third-party AI agents and bots
An early beta feature, limited to a small number of users in some countries.
WABetaInfo reports that a WhatsApp Android beta build adds a way to connect an outside AI agent or bot and talk to it inside WhatsApp, in its own conversation. Until now, using such a tool meant opening a separate app or website.
Based on the tracker's description, you set the agent up from the app's settings by giving it a name and photo. WhatsApp then generates an API key that you paste into whichever service hosts the agent. Up to five agents are supported per account. The agent only sees what you send it in that one chat, and cannot be added to groups or communities.
One detail worth knowing: WABetaInfo reports these agent chats are not end-to-end encrypted, because a Meta service handles them on behalf of the agent's developer, meaning the developer can access those messages. Ordinary personal chats and calls stay end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp also notes an AI agent's replies may be wrong.
This was spotted in beta version 2.26.35.3 and is going to a very limited number of users in select countries. It is aimed at people who build or run their own agents, not a general feature, and there is no announced release date.
Sources
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