WhatsApp is developing a feature that allows users to integrate third-party AI agents into the app for conversation and task delegation.
WhatsApp is reportedly working on support for external AI agents
When platforms like OpenClaw gained widespread adoption, users often connected their agents through messaging applications as a primary method of remote interaction.
However, users quickly learned that linking bots to WhatsApp for communication with third-party AI agents frequently resulted in account suspension.
Telegram, by contrast, welcomed the movement and has evolved into a primary platform for users to interact with agents hosted locally or in the cloud.
According to findings from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is now introducing built-in support for third-party AI agents, enabling users to connect these agents directly within dedicated chats in the application.
After setting up a new bot in WhatsApp, the app produces an API key that users can input into their agent platform. As explained by WABetaInfo, “the specific process varies depending on the service, but most platforms include a section where users can enter” the API key, enabling direct communication with the third-party agent through WhatsApp.
Here’s what WABetaInfo notes:
Once an agent is connected to a WhatsApp chat, users can open the conversation thread to communicate with it. They can send messages and receive replies directly within the app. It’s important to note that the agent can only access content shared within that specific chat. This means it cannot view other conversations, contacts, or media files. Currently, communication is limited to individual chats only. Consequently, users cannot add agents to group chats or communities. WhatsApp also warns that if the agent uses AI technology, its responses might contain inaccuracies, so users should verify all information provided.
Once the agent is connected to a WhatsApp chat, users can open the new conversation to communicate with it. Users can send messages to the agent and receive responses directly within the app. Note that the agent can only read what the user shared in the chat with it. This means that the agent cannot access other conversations, contacts, or media. At the moment, it is only possible to chat with the agent in an individual chat. For this reason, users cannot add it to group chats and communities. In case the agent is an AI, WhatsApp notes that its responses may be inaccurate. As a result, users should always double-check anything the agent tells them.
The platform indicates that select Android users currently have access to this feature, with broader availability expected soon. WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp’s solution supports up to five agents per account and lets users personalize each with custom names and profile images. However, conversations with third-party agents do not currently use end-to-end encryption.
For Digitio’s complete report, visit this link.
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