A New WhatsApp Feature Could Change How You Think About Privacy

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of an advanced technology called “Private Processing,” a move it describes as a continuation of its commitment to protecting user privacy—even when leveraging AI features.

This new feature allows users to use tools like message summarization or writing assistance without compromising the content of their conversations or personal data.

The system is based on a secure environment called the “Secret Virtual Machine”—a virtual space that no external party, not even parent company Meta, can access during the processing activities.

One of the standout features of this technology is that it does not retain any data after processing. It ensures users cannot be tracked or targeted, while still allowing researchers and experts to audit the system’s behavior and verify its strict privacy standards.

The connection between the user’s device and the private processing servers is encrypted and hides even the IP address, adding an extra layer of protection that prevents WhatsApp and Meta from tracking users.

The company acknowledges that security threats still exist—whether internally or through supply chains—but reassures users that the system is fortified with multilayered defenses, significantly reducing the risk of breaches or leaks.

Meta has also pledged to publish the technical details of this mechanism to allow independent entities to inspect and assess its compliance with security standards.

Interestingly, this move closely resembles Apple’s previous initiative, known as “Private Cloud Compute,” which also offered a model for secure, publicly verifiable data processing.

It seems the competition in AI now extends beyond capabilities to include how well companies respect user privacy—an essential factor in building trust with their audiences.