WhatsApp launches AI writing assistant with privacy-focused processing

WhatsApp has launched Writing Help, an AI-powered tool that can adjust the tone of messages or completely rewrite them to sound more professional, funny, or supportive. The feature leverages Meta’s AI technology while using Private Processing to ensure message privacy, marking another step in Meta’s integration of AI assistance across its messaging platforms.

How it works: Users can access Writing Help through a new pencil icon on their keyboard in both individual and group chats.

• The tool can modify message tone or provide alternative ways to convey the same message, similar to Instagram’s existing writing assistant.
• Writing Help is powered by Meta AI but processes messages using Private Processing technology, which handles requests “off-device in a confidential and secure environment where no one, not even Meta or WhatsApp, can read or access your personal messages.”
• After processing is complete, messages aren’t stored on Meta’s servers.

Key limitations: The feature launches with several geographic and technical constraints.

• Writing Help is currently available only in English and limited to the US and select other countries.
• Meta plans to expand to additional languages and countries later this year.
• Private Processing is disabled by default and must be manually enabled through Settings > Chat > Private Processing.

Privacy controls: WhatsApp provides multiple ways for users to opt out of AI features.

• Users can disable Private Processing entirely to avoid all AI-powered tools.
• For specific conversations, users can tap the contact or group name and enable Advanced Chat Privacy to exclude those chats from AI processing.
• This follows WhatsApp’s earlier introduction of Message Summaries, another optional AI feature that also requires Private Processing.

Why this matters: The launch represents Meta’s continued push to integrate AI assistance across its messaging ecosystem while addressing privacy concerns that have historically made users wary of AI-powered communication tools.