WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to connect up to five third-party AI agents or bots in separate private conversations. This feature was discovered in an experimental version of the app for Android and is currently available to a limited number of users, with no official timeline for a broader release. Previously, users who wanted to interact with AI on WhatsApp had to use a chatbot linked to a specific number, such as the one used by ChatGPT when it returned to the platform in July. Now, Meta is moving toward a more open system that allows any compatible service to connect through a generic API key, rather than relying on a single partner. To set up an AI agent, users go to a new section in WhatsApp's settings dedicated to agents. Here, they choose a name and profile photo for the agent, and WhatsApp generates an API key. This key acts as a secure passcode that allows the two services to communicate without sharing passwords. The key is then entered into the interface of the service that hosts the agent. Each WhatsApp account can connect up to five agents, but these agents currently only operate in individual conversations and cannot be added to group chats or communities. Additionally, each agent only has access to the messages in its own conversation and not to the user’s broader WhatsApp data, such as other messages, contacts, or media. It’s important to note that AI agent responses may contain errors, and WhatsApp encourages users to double-check the information they receive. If an agent is deleted, the connection is severed, but the conversation history remains. To reconnect the agent, a new API key must be generated. Unlike regular messages between users, which are protected by end-to-end encryption, the messages exchanged with AI agents go through a Meta service. This means that Meta, acting on behalf of the agent developer, can access the content of these messages. While this doesn’t imply that external third parties can read them, it’s a key distinction for users concerned about the privacy of their conversations. This change comes after Meta faced criticism for restricting how AI agents could be used on WhatsApp. Previously, connecting an AI agent through an unofficial bot could result in account suspension, leading some users to switch to competing platforms like Telegram. The new system is also a response to pressure from the European Union. In February, the European Commission filed a formal complaint against Meta’s restrictions on WhatsApp Business. While still limited to a small number of Android users, this update expands the range of services that can operate natively on WhatsApp.