Meta brings AI agent chat feature to WhatsApp

Meta is set to introduce a feature on its messaging platform WhatsApp that will allow users to chat with third-party AI agents and automated bots directly within the app, eliminating the need for separate applications or websites.

The feature began rolling out experimentally for a limited number of users on the Android beta version from September 4.

WhatsApp has added an 'Agents' section in settings for the new feature. From the Agents menu, users can add and configure third-party agents, assigning each a unique name and profile picture. To connect an agent, WhatsApp generates a distinct API key, which must be copied and pasted into the platform hosting the agent. Once connected, the agent will appear as a separate chat in the user's chat list.

A WhatsApp account can have up to five third-party agents connected at the same time. To add a new agent once this limit is reached, one must be disconnected first. Even after disconnecting an agent, previous chat history will not be automatically deleted. To reconnect, users will need to establish a new connection and use a new API key. However, the limit of five agents may be subject to change in the future.

From a security perspective, each agent operates in a separate one-to-one chat. Agents do not require access to a user's other personal chats, contacts or media, and only information shared directly with the agent reaches it. Third-party agents cannot be added to group chats or communities. However, it is important to note that these conversations are not end-to-end encrypted.

According to WhatsApp, conversations are facilitated through a Meta service on behalf of the agent developer. This means the organisation operating the agent can receive, process or store messages. Users are advised to review the privacy policy and terms of use of the respective agent before sharing personal or sensitive information.

Under WhatsApp's new Third-Party Agents Terms of Service, these agents are not WhatsApp's own services; they are created, operated and controlled by independent entities or developers. The feature can be used not only for generative AI assistants but also for various automated services. Users can also connect their own agents using tools and code created by third-party developers.

The feature is currently being gradually rolled out to a limited number of Android beta users in select countries. WhatsApp has not yet announced a specific date for when it will be made available to all general users