WhatsApp adds AI-generated replies to chats

WhatsApp is introducing Writing Help, a new AI feature that assists users in drafting messages by offering rewrites and tone adjustments.

Built with Meta AI and supported by Private Processing technology, the tool is designed to keep conversations private, ensuring Meta can not access message content.

The feature can be accessed through a pencil icon while composing messages in individual or group chats.

It suggests multiple versions based on tone preferences such as professional, humorous, or supportive.

Rather than generating replies, Writing Help refines the user’s original message.

Users can review, tweak, and choose the final version before sending, maintaining full control over their communication.

🔗 Source: WhatsApp

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

New AI tools tie into Meta’s plan to earn more from WhatsApp

Meta’s new AI writing and photo tools fit into a wider effort to make money from WhatsApp, which has long been called a “sleeping giant” in Meta’s portfolio 1.
Starting December 16, Meta will use chats with its AI assistant, Meta AI, to collect “conversational intent” signals and tailor ads and feeds across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp 2.
Meta leans on ads for more than 95% of its over $160 billion in annual revenue 2.
The rollout also lines up with more ads on WhatsApp, including sponsored content in the Status feature and sponsored channel suggestions in the Updates tab 1.

WhatsApp AI features run into EU antitrust pressure

The European Commission opened an antitrust investigation into Meta over a policy that could limit rival AI providers’ access to WhatsApp Business users across the European Economic Area (EEA) 3.
Regulators are reviewing changes to WhatsApp Business API (application programming interface) terms that restrict third-party AI assistants when AI is the primary service, while Meta’s own Meta AI still works on the platform 3.
The EU says the goal is to stop dominant incumbents from using their power to shut out newer AI competitors 3.
The dispute will shape how far large platforms can use built-in distribution and platform control in the growing AI assistant market 4.