WhatsApp releases AI-powered ‘Writing Help’ to assist users with editing and rewriting messages

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On August 27, WhatsApp announced the release of a new AI feature called Writing Help that enables users to edit, rewrite, or modify the tone of their conversations. Before sending a message to someone else, this new function will help users correct grammar, phrase their messages correctly, and even change the tone, if needed.

Using Meta’s Private Processing technology, Writing Help enables users to get AI-generated comments without Meta or WhatsApp having to view the original message or the proposed revisions. This implies that even if users utilise the new technology, messages on the site stay private.

This technology sends you a message request through an encrypted and anonymous route, which cannot be linked back to the origin or the user.

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Users of Writing Help can receive AI-generated recommendations that reword their communications in a way that is more professional, humorous, encouraging, and more.

WhatsApp illustrated the feature in a product image by displaying the user’s first message: “Please don’t leave dirty socks on the sofa.” The AI then offers “funny” rewrites, such as “Breaking news: Socks found chilling on the couch” and “Please don’t turn the sofa into a sock graveyard.” Please move them, sock ninja, since the laundry basket is that way!

With this rollout, WhatsApp presumably intends that users will write messages using its in-app technology rather than using tools like ChatGPT.

According to WhatsApp, users can tap the new pencil sign that shows up when they are drafting a message on the app to activate the new feature.

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Additionally, WhatsApp asserts that it doesn’t save information or relevant content and that AI recommendations would only show up if you decide to utilise the Writing Help. If the functionality is enabled, the interface will show a tiny pen icon in place of the sticker icon once the user has entered a few words of the message they want to send.

Finally, WhatsApp underlines that Writing Help is optional and is disabled by default. The software only works on the specific message you select, not your entire conversation, and it will never transmit AI-generated texts without your consent.