WhatsApp Hid Instructions in Help Pages Telling Its AI Chatbot Not to Recommend Privacy Regulators

The Hacker News

October 20, 2026 at 11:41 AM

Overview

WhatsApp's help pages contained hidden instructions for its AI chatbot that instructed it not to suggest users contact data protection authorities when they faced issues deleting their accounts. This contradicts WhatsApp's own privacy policy for Europe, which states that users have the right to file complaints with regulators. The controversial text was embedded in the page's code but was not visible to users until it was removed on October 18, 2023. This raises concerns about the company's commitment to user privacy and transparency. Users who encounter difficulties with account deletion are left without proper guidance, which could undermine trust in the platform.

Key Takeaways

Affected Systems: WhatsApp
Action Required: Removed hidden instructions from help pages.
Timeline: Disclosed on October 18, 2023

Original Article Summary

WhatsApp's help pages carried hidden instructions for its support chatbot that told it not to recommend a data protection authority or regulator to users who could no longer delete their accounts, even though WhatsApp's own privacy policy for Europe tells users they can complain to one. The text sat in the pages' code, never shown on screen, until it was removed by October 18. Whether the

Impact

Exploitation Status

No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.

Timeline

Disclosed on October 18, 2023

Remediation

Removed hidden instructions from help pages

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

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