WhatsApp tests Side Chat feature for private Meta AI conversations

WhatsApp is testing a new "Side Chat" feature that lets users open a separate panel to interact with Meta AI while staying within the main chat screen. The AI can answer questions, retrieve web information, and help compose messages, all without leaving the conversation.

The feature uses WhatsApp's Private Processing architecture, creating a temporary private thread that only the user can see. Messages are processed in a secure environment, are not stored permanently, and are automatically deleted after a set time, ensuring that neither Meta nor WhatsApp can read the content.

Side Chat is currently available to a limited number of Android and iOS users in select regions, with rollout timelines not yet announced. The company is also testing browser‑based voice and video calls for group chats on Windows and Mac computers.