Now Meta adds AI Writing Tool to Rewrite WhatsApp Messages, But Do We Want It?
Google, OpenAI, Meta, and countless other top tech companies all want a piece of that sweet-sweet cake called AI. Google is already taking over your smartphone by integrating Gemini AI across the entire operating system. Gmail, Messages, Photos, all have AI in it. Now, Meta is integrating Ai into their most popular messaging app — WhatsApp.
Earlier this year, Meat added AI Summaries in WhatsApp chats for missed messages from a long conversation in a group chat with the rollout of Private Message Summaries. Today, Meta added AI writing tool.
WhatsApp has just announced a new feature that could help how we communicate digitally. The messaging giant’s latest AI-powered tool, aptly named “Writing Help,” promises to assist users in crafting the perfect message while maintaining the platform’s signature commitment to privacy.
But do we need it? Do we really require more AI? Let’s find out.
What is WhatsApp’s Writing Help?
WhatsApp’s Writing Help is an AI-powered feature designed to address communication challenges head-on. Built on the foundation of Meta AI technology, this tool offers users intelligent suggestions to help refine their messages before sending them.
The feature works seamlessly within the existing WhatsApp interface. Users simply begin drafting their message in any 1:1 or group chat and tap the new pencil icon to access Writing Help. The AI then analyzes the content and provides alternative versions of the message in various styles.
Available Writing Styles
The Writing Help feature offers several distinct communication styles to choose from:
- Professional: Perfect for work-related communications, formal discussions, or when you need to maintain a business-appropriate tone
- Funny: Ideal for adding humor to your conversations and creating a more lighthearted atmosphere
- Supportive: Excellent for offering comfort, encouragement, or empathy in sensitive situations
This variety ensures that users can adapt their communication style to match the context of their conversation and their intended audience.
Meta says Privacy: Private Processing Technology
Meta approaches WhatsApp’s Writing Help with privacy what they call “Private Processing” technology.
How Private Processing Works
Private Processing technology allows users to leverage Meta AI’s capabilities to generate message suggestions without Meta or WhatsApp ever reading the original message or the AI-generated rewrites.
This means that your private conversations remain completely private, even when using AI assistance. The processing happens in a way that keeps your data encrypted and inaccessible to the service providers, addressing one of the primary concerns users have about AI-powered communication tools.
Third-Party Validation
WhatsApp hasn’t just made claims about their privacy technology – they’ve backed it up with rigorous third-party testing. Independent security researchers from two highly respected organizations have audited the Private Processing architecture:
- NCC Group: A leading cybersecurity consulting firm that has validated the privacy-preserving aspects of the technology
- Trail of Bits: Another renowned security research organization that has published detailed audit reports on the system
This level of transparency and third-party validation demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to maintaining user trust while introducing advanced AI capabilities.
Global Rollout and Language Support
The Writing Help feature is initially launching in English, starting with the United States and several other countries. WhatsApp has indicated plans to expand the feature to additional languages and countries later in 2025.
This phased rollout approach allows WhatsApp to gather feedback, refine the feature, and ensure that it works effectively across different cultural contexts and communication styles before expanding globally.
How to enable AI Writing Help in WhatsApp?
The feature works seamlessly within the existing WhatsApp interface. Users simply begin drafting their message in any 1:1 or group chat and tap the new pencil icon to access Writing Help. The AI then analyzes the content and provides alternative versions of the message in various styles.
Once in a group chat, tap the Stickers/Emoji icon present in the text field to the left. This should show tabs for emoji, GIF, Avatar, Stickers, and the pencil icon represents AI Writing Help.
Once you form the sentence, tap the pencil button, and it will suggest you sentences in various tones.
Do we need AI writing in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp’s recent introduction of Writing Help, an AI-powered messaging assistant, raises a fundamental question that deserves serious consideration: have we reached a point where artificial intelligence needs to intervene in our most basic human interactions? While the feature promises to help users craft better messages with appropriate tone and style, its emergence signals a concerning trend toward technological dependency in areas where human authenticity should perhaps remain paramount.
However, it can be a helpful tool in some cases. Like if the writing help can help with translation and transcriptions. If the tool can rewrite sentences in different languages, it could prove to be a very useful tool.
For instance, if your parents are not native speakers, WhatsApp could help transcribe the text in their native language. Or suggest replies in a different language.
Download WhatsApp APK with AI Writing Tool
Meta AI is rolling out via both WhatsApp Messenger beta channel and WhatsApp Messenger stable. However, it is still server side and may not be available right away.
The easiest way is to enroll in the beta program and then download the new update via Play Store. If the beta is full, download the APK below.
Download WhatsApp for iOS
