New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – A major controversy erupted after Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that WhatsApp has begun allowing Meta AI to read group chats. His post quickly grabbed attention, raising fresh concerns over data privacy on the world’s most popular messaging app.
In his post, Sharma wrote, “Important if you are part of WhatsApp groups. Today onwards WhatsApp is allowing AI to read chats. Enable advanced chat privacy to block it.”
The claim, however, appears to be misleading.
WhatsApp’s End-to-End Encryption Still Stands
For years, WhatsApp has reiterated that all personal and group chats are protected with end-to-end encryption. This ensures that neither WhatsApp nor its parent company Meta can access private messages, calls, or media.
Meta AI was indeed introduced earlier this year, but its functionality is limited. According to WhatsApp, AI can only read or respond to messages where it is directly mentioned (@Meta AI) or where users intentionally choose to share content with it. At no point does Meta AI gain access to other private or group conversations.
Advanced Chat Privacy – What It Really Does
The Advanced Chat Privacy feature, rolled out in April 2025, provides users with an additional layer of control. By enabling it, users can:
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Restrict others from exporting chats.
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Prevent media auto-downloads.
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Limit how messages can be shared with AI-based features.
This means the feature is more about user control rather than blocking Meta AI from secretly reading chats.
WABetaInfo’s Clarification
Popular WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo has also dismissed the viral claim, confirming that Meta AI does not have access to private or group messages unless users explicitly interact with it.
The Bigger Picture
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s post has reignited the debate around tech companies, AI, and digital privacy. While WhatsApp continues to insist on its commitment to encryption, the claim shows how easily misinformation can spread, especially when it comes from influential industry leaders.
For now, WhatsApp users can rest assured that their private conversations remain secure. Meta AI only participates in chats when invited — not otherwise.
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