WhatsApp Begins Rolling Out Support for Third-Party AI Agents

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that could make it easier to use third-party AI agents and other automated services directly inside the messaging app. The company has started rolling out support for third-party agents to a limited number of users in selected countries.

The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.35.3. It allows users to connect an external agent to a dedicated WhatsApp chat and communicate with it without opening another app or website.

WhatsApp Begins Rolling Out Support for Third-Party AI Agents

With the new feature, users can add and configure an agent through WhatsApp settings. During setup, they can give the agent a name and select a profile picture. The chosen name and image will then appear in the chat list, making the agent easier to identify.

WhatsApp currently allows users to connect up to five agents to one account. This could be useful for people who want to use separate agents for different tasks.

The feature is not limited to AI-powered services. WhatsApp also supports regular bots that can perform specific functions or respond to predefined commands.

API Key Connects the Agent

After setting up an agent, WhatsApp generates an API key. Users need to copy this key and add it to the service where their agent is hosted.

The exact process can vary depending on the platform providing the agent. Once the key is connected, the agent can communicate with the user through a dedicated WhatsApp conversation.

Users can also generate a new API key if they need to reset the connection.

Agents Cannot Access Other WhatsApp Chats

Privacy is an important part of the new feature. A connected agent can only see the messages that users share with it in its dedicated conversation.

It cannot access other WhatsApp chats, contacts, or media stored in unrelated conversations. For now, agents can only be used in individual chats. They cannot be added to groups or communities.

WhatsApp also warns that AI agents may provide incorrect information. Users should therefore verify important information before relying on an AI-generated response.

See Also: WhatsApp Tests New Safety Warning for Unofficial Web Clients

Users Can Manage or Remove Agents

WhatsApp is also adding management options for connected agents. Users can return to the settings section to change an agent’s name or profile picture.

If an agent is removed, WhatsApp disconnects it from the conversation. Users will no longer be able to send messages to the agent or receive new responses.

However, removing an agent does not automatically erase the existing conversation. Previous messages remain available in the chat, allowing users to review their earlier interactions.

If users want to connect the agent again later, they will need to set it up again and generate a new API key.

Agent Chats Are Not End-to-End Encrypted

There is an important privacy difference between chats with agents and normal WhatsApp conversations.

Messages exchanged with third-party agents are not considered end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp explains that these conversations are handled through a Meta service on behalf of the agent developer. This means the developer operating the agent can access the messages as part of providing the service.

This does not affect regular personal WhatsApp conversations. Messages and calls between people on WhatsApp continue to use end-to-end encryption.

Limited Rollout for Now

The third-party agent feature is currently available to only a small number of WhatsApp users. Most Android users will not see the new Agents section in their settings yet.

WhatsApp is expected to expand access gradually over the coming months. The company has not confirmed when the feature will become available to everyone.

For now, the rollout gives an early look at how WhatsApp could become a platform for more than traditional messaging by allowing external AI agents and bots to operate directly within the app.