By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
United States, May 14, 2026 - Meta has announced the launch of “Incognito Chat” with Meta AI on WhatsApp and the Meta AI app, which it says is a private way for users to interact with AI.
According to the tech company, the feature, which has been built on top of WhatsApp’s Private Processing technology, will allow users to ask sensitive and personal questions, including about health, finances, and careers.
These conversations cannot be seen by anyone else, including Meta itself, and will also not be saved and will disappear by default after use.
The company has assured that the feature will begin rolling out on the two platforms over the coming months.
“Other apps have introduced incognito-style modes, but they can still see the questions coming in and the answers going out. Incognito Chat with Meta AI is truly private,” Meta stated.
“When you start an Incognito Chat with Meta AI on WhatsApp, you’re creating a private, temporary conversation that only you can see. Your messages are processed in a secure environment that even Meta cannot access,” Meta stated.
Meta has also revealed plans to introduce another feature known as the “Side Chat” on WhatsApp in the coming months to enhance AI interactions for users.
The tool will allow users to privately seek AI assistance within WhatsApp conversations without interrupting the main chat.
The announcement comes at a time when billions of people are increasingly using AI Chatbots to seek information, advice, and even support on personal matters.
Just one week ago, OpenAI rolled out ‘Trusted Contact,’ a new optional safety feature in ChatGPT aimed at supporting adults during serious mental health crises.
OpenAI said that through the new feature, users will have the ability to nominate someone, such as a friend, family member, or caregiver, who will be notified if the system detects that the user may have discussed harming themselves with the chatbot.
The new feature is set to complement the layers of other safeguards to support people in distress, such as encouraging users to contact crisis hotlines and emergency services when appropriate.
It will be very similar to the already existing parental control safety notification, which allows parents and guardians to receive alerts when there are signs of acute distress for a linked teen account.
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