WhatsApp's help pages contained hidden instructions for its AI that discouraged recommending legal action or citing data protection laws, as discovered in October 2026. These instructions were removed after being reported, with WhatsApp stating they were meant for its support chatbot due to a bug. The company's privacy policy is more transparent than the hidden notes, which restricted users' access to important legal information. Users can still request account deletion or escalate issues to their data protection authority.
Key facts
- WhatsApp's privacy policy allows complaints to data protection regulators.
- Hidden AI instructions discouraged legal recommendations until mid-October 2026.
- The instructions were discovered on October 8, 2026.
- WhatsApp stated the hidden notes were due to a bug and have been removed.
- Users can request account deletion or contact data protection authorities.
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