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WhatsApp is reportedly testing a feature that could let users connect third-party AI agents and bots directly to the messaging app. The functionality is expected to give each connected agent a separate chat, allowing users to interact with these services without leaving WhatsApp.
The feature is currently said to be rolling out to a limited number of Android users. WhatsApp could expand the availability to more accounts over the coming months, although the company has not confirmed when the feature will reach a wider audience.
WhatsApp Could Let Users Chat With Third-Party AI Agents Directly
WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted the feature in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.35.3. According to the report, a new Agents section in the app settings could allow users to add and configure compatible third-party services.
Users may be able to assign each agent a name and profile picture, while WhatsApp could support up to five agents per account.
WhatsApp is expected to generate an API key after users configure an agent. The key would then need to be entered into the service hosting the agent to link it to a WhatsApp chat. The exact setup could vary depending on the service, and users may be able to generate a new key to reset an existing connection.
Each AI Agent Could Get Its Own WhatsApp Chat
Once linked, each agent would operate within its own WhatsApp conversation. According to the report, the connected service would not have access to the user’s other chats, contacts, or media.
The feature is also reportedly designed to keep third-party agents separate from group chats and communities. Users would not be able to add these agents to group conversations or communities.
Users could manage their connected agents through WhatsApp’s settings, including changing their names or profile pictures. Removing an agent would disconnect the service from the chat, while the existing conversation history would remain available. Users could potentially reconnect the service later by setting it up again with a new API key.
Chats With Third-Party AI Agents May Not Be End-to-End Encrypted
One of the major differences between these agent conversations and regular WhatsApp chats could be encryption. Chats with third-party AI agents reportedly would not use WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
Messages sent to an agent would instead pass through a Meta service on behalf of the agent’s developer, allowing the developer to access those messages as part of the service. Meanwhile, personal chats and calls between WhatsApp users would continue to use WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp AI Agent Feature Availability
WhatsApp is reportedly currently rolling out the feature to a limited number of Android users. Most users may not see the new Agents section in their WhatsApp settings yet.
The company has not announced when third-party AI agent support will become available to everyone, so the feature’s broader rollout timeline remains unclear.
