• Growing doubts over how accurately AI interprets everyday chat language
• Feature still in testing phase amid wider debate on messaging app direction

Reports, including PhoneArena, highlight increasing criticism of a new experimental feature in WhatsApp that expands the use of artificial intelligence to summarize conversations.

According to circulating information, Meta is testing an upgraded version of its AI-powered “chat summaries” tool, designed to generate overviews of unread messages across multiple conversations instead of just one thread as currently implemented.

The feature appears in beta versions on Android and iOS with a “Get a summary” option within unread message filters, and is expected to roll out gradually across selected regions and languages.

Meta says the process relies on “private processing,” allowing AI systems to analyze messages without the company directly accessing their content, in an effort to address privacy concerns.

However, technical reports have raised concerns about the reliability of AI-driven summaries, arguing that integrating such tools into personal chats may not align with users’ real needs.

PhoneArena noted that everyday conversations often include mixed languages, abbreviations, and informal expressions, making accurate interpretation by AI systems more difficult.

It also pointed out that unstructured exchanges involving scattered messages and attachments may not be suitable for reliable summarization.

The debate comes as Meta continues to expand AI integration across its platforms, alongside testing potential paid subscription models, raising broader questions about the future of WhatsApp’s user experience, which has long been known for its simplicity and free access.

Critics argue that increasing reliance on AI features could complicate the app rather than improve it, especially if accuracy in understanding context is not consistently achieved.

While Meta has not issued a detailed response to the criticism, continued testing suggests the company is moving toward deeper AI integration within its messaging ecosystem.