Dear Readers,

Incognito.

We all know very well that this feature is widely used across almost all web browsers. While the terminology may vary from browser to browser, the fundamental concept remains the same: that is with- privacy, confidentiality and discretion.

Now, this "Incognito" mode is set to arrive on WhatsApp as well. Meta has officially announced this upcoming feature.

You might be wondering: "Doesn't WhatsApp already feature end-to-end encryption? Why, then, do we need Incognito?" It is a valid question.

This Incognito mode is not intended for conversations between human users; rather, it is designed for interactions between humans and AI.

The whatsApp application features a tool known as "Meta AI." Many of you likely used this and experimented with it when it was first introduced with whatsapp. You can ask it questions and receive answers; it can generate images; and it offers a host of other services as well. 

If you ever find yourself without anyone to talk to, you can simply strike up a conversation with it. It responds instantly—complete with the "blue ticks"—and it certainly won't get annoyed or block you.

The beauty of it is that all of Meta AI's services are accessible directly through its WhatsApp platform. Yet, for some reason, this particular AI has not gained significant popularity relative to its peers.

The competition within the AI ​​landscape is fierce. On one side, Anthropic is making aggressive strides; on the other, Gemini and ChatGPT occupy the second and third tiers separated by only a very narrow margin.

Amidst with all the competitive eco-systems at present, Meta AI has somehow is felt fallen behind. This is despite the fact that Meta possesses a colossal advantage that none of its rivals can claim: the data of billions of users.

If you are belonging to the "Boomer" era of Facebook or the "Gen Z" generation of Instagram, all of that data ultimately resides with Mark. These platforms are merely of various provinces within his vast empire; the Emperor remains one and it for all. 

Let’s return to Incognito. Mark is undertaking various initiatives to make Meta AI more engaging. Incognito is one such effort of this. 

It works like it does in other web browsers: Just by simply activating Incognito mode is all that is required from you. Then the AI ​​will then take a pledge of confidentiality.

It will then provide an assurance stating: "I, as an AI pledge not to share anything that comes to my attention during this conversation with any individual or group".

Initially, there were said to be certain boundaries regarding the topics one could discuss with this AI.

Gradually, those boundaries will be faded away. People now feel comfortable discussing everything from physical and mental health to financial matters with the AI.

Given this context, Meta has determined that an Incognito mode is absolutely essential for this. 

However, do not rush to open your WhatsApp app and look for it just yet; it has not been released. It is expected to become active in a few weeks. Until then, refrain from sharing your secrets with the AI.

Now, you might be asking: "Will conversations held in Incognito mode truly remain confidential?" One would certainly *like* to answer with a resounding "Yes." However, doing so would not be entirely accurate.

While your conversations will not appear in your chat history, one cannot state with absolute certainty that they are not being stored elsewhere. There is no such thing as "absolute" privacy; everything is, ultimately, a matter of relative compromise.

Therefore, even after Incognito mode becomes available, refrain from sharing just "anything and everything" with the AI. If, at some future date, the AI ​​were to breach its pledge, what recourse would we have? None whatsoever.

So, what should you do until Incognito mode arrives?

You might simply adopt the mindset: "Why would an upright person need Incognito mode anyway?"

That holds true today.

I am really looking forward for this feature with Whatsapp!