WhatsApp is testing a new feature called Side Chat that allows users to privately ask Meta AI questions without exposing the contents of their conversations.
The feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers on both Android and iOS.
Side Chat is powered by Meta’s Private Processing technology, which is designed to let users interact with Meta AI while keeping message content private. According to Meta, Private Processing ensures that neither WhatsApp nor Meta can view the data being processed, allowing AI features to work without compromising end-to-end encryption.
Unlike the existing Meta AI chat experience, Side Chat lets users ask questions or request help alongside an ongoing conversation in a separate private panel. This means users can get assistance with tasks such as drafting replies, explaining messages, brainstorming ideas, or answering questions without interrupting the main chat.
The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo and is still under development, so it is not yet available to all WhatsApp users. As with other AI-powered privacy features, Side Chat relies on Meta’s Private Processing infrastructure, which is becoming the foundation for several upcoming AI tools, including private message summaries and writing assistance.
There is currently no official timeline for a wider rollout, but if testing goes smoothly, WhatsApp is expected to expand availability in a future beta update before releasing the feature to all users.
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