Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma recently sparked a controversy by claiming on X (formerly Twitter) that WhatsApp’s “end-to-end encryption” was no longer fully secure. He alleged that WhatsApp now allows its artificial intelligence (AI) feature to “read chats” if a user is added to a WhatsApp group. Sharma urged users to enable a specific setting that would supposedly block WhatsApp from accessing their messages.
🚨IMP If you are part of WhatsApp group. Today onwards WhatsApp is allowing ai to read chats. ‼️‼️
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) August 19, 2025
So enable this setting to block it. pic.twitter.com/VhJomO4Msd
WhatsApp quickly responded to these claims, clarifying that the information is false. The company explained that its AI, called Meta AI, can only access messages that users voluntarily share with it, either by messaging the AI directly or by activating it in a chat. Importantly, Meta AI is not automatically “on” for any user. WhatsApp reaffirmed that personal messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can read the content of their chats.
As many commenters have already pointed out, this is not true. Meta AI on WhatsApp can only read what you choose to share with it (it does not have access to all your chats or contacts). Meta AI is not 'on' until you choose to use it by messaging it directly or invoking it in an…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 19, 2025
This is not the first time WhatsApp has faced concerns over privacy and data security. Earlier accusations have questioned whether the app truly protects user data from external access. However, WhatsApp consistently emphasizes its commitment to user privacy through strong encryption standards.
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating WhatsApp for potential antitrust violations related to its data-sharing practices.
The recent debate highlights ongoing public sensitivity around privacy in messaging apps, especially as companies introduce AI features. Users are now advised to stay informed about app settings and updates, ensuring their communication remains secure as technology evolves.
