Meta Platforms introduced an 'incognito' mode for WhatsApp on May 14, 2026, enabling users to conduct private interactions with the company's AI assistant. This feature is designed to address growing privacy concerns regarding sensitive information, such as financial, personal, or health-related data, that users frequently input into generative AI systems. According to the company, messages sent within this mode are processed in a secure environment inaccessible to Meta, are not saved by default, and automatically disappear once a session ends.

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, stated that this update allows users to engage with AI without the expectation that their data must be shared with the service provider. Despite the focus on privacy, the incognito mode includes safety mechanisms that prevent the AI from responding to harmful topics. If such queries are detected, the system will attempt to steer the user toward helpful information, refuse the request, or cease interaction entirely. Use of this mode is currently limited to text-based interactions; users cannot generate or upload images while in an incognito session. Additionally, users must confirm they are at least 13 years old to access the feature, consistent with Meta's platform-wide age restrictions.

Meta Platforms introduced an 'incognito' mode for WhatsApp on May 14, 2026, enabling users to conduct private interactions with the company's AI assistant. This feature is designed to address growing privacy concerns regarding sensitive information, such as financial, personal, or health-related data, that users frequently input into generative AI systems. According to the company, messages sent within this mode are processed in a secure environment inaccessible to Meta, are not saved by default, and automatically disappear once a session ends.

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, stated that this update allows users to engage with AI without the expectation that their data must be shared with the service provider. Despite the focus on privacy, the incognito mode includes safety mechanisms that prevent the AI from responding to harmful topics. If such queries are detected, the system will attempt to steer the user toward helpful information, refuse the request, or cease interaction entirely. Use of this mode is currently limited to text-based interactions; users cannot generate or upload images while in an incognito session. Additionally, users must confirm they are at least 13 years old to access the feature, consistent with Meta's platform-wide age restrictions.