WhatsApp introduces ‘Incognito Chat’ mode for Meta AI chats: Here's how it works

WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by Meta, has launched a new ‘Incognito Chat’ mode designed to ensure that conversations with its AI chatbot remain confidential. This innovative feature is particularly useful for discussions that may involve sensitive subjects such as financial information, health concerns, personal matters, and confidential work details. According to a blog post from WhatsApp, the Incognito Chat mode utilizes Meta’s advanced “Private Processing technology.” This technology ensures that interactions with the AI chatbot are effectively shielded from external access. By employing Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), the conversations are processed securely in a cloud environment, which restricts any unauthorized access. WhatsApp emphasizes the privacy of this new feature by stating, “Incognito Chat with Meta AI is truly private — no one can read your conversation, not even us.” This means that users can engage with the AI in a safe and temporary space, with the assurance that their messages will not be permanently stored and will automatically disappear after the chat. The rollout of Incognito Chat is set to begin for users on both WhatsApp and the Meta AI app in the coming months. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to introduce a new feature called “Side Chat.” This will allow users to discreetly seek assistance from the Meta AI during ongoing conversations, ensuring the main chat remains uninterrupted while still benefiting from AI support. This feature will also leverage the Private Processing technology to maintain user privacy.