Meta is introducing a private chat feature that lets users talk with artificial intelligence (AI) without concerns about exposure to outsiders.
Meta said on the 13th (local time) that it will add an "incognito (anonymous) chat" feature to its WhatsApp messenger app and the MetaAI app.
According to Meta, when users employ incognito chat, no one—including inside Meta—can see their conversations with AI, let alone third parties. When the feature is activated in WhatsApp, a temporary chat window that only the user can view is created. When the conversation ends, everything, including questions and answers, is not saved and disappears.
Meta said, "Other apps have adopted similar features, but they can still see incoming questions and outgoing answers in the system," adding, "MetaAI's incognito chat provides a truly private feature."
Meta assessed that this kind of private chat will become a primary way to talk with AI going forward, as more users are entering sensitive personal information—such as health issues, financial advice, and careers—into AI.
However, the private chat unveiled by Meta this time can be used only in text. The Associated Press reported that attaching photos or videos or generating images is not yet supported. Also, because Meta does not allow users under 13 on its platforms, users must undergo an age verification process to use it.
The feature will roll out to users sequentially over the coming months. Meta also plans to introduce a "side chat" feature in WhatsApp that provides context-appropriate private AI assistance during conversations with others.