# WhatsApp removes exposed instructions governing its support chatbot

_Published Monday, October 19, 2026 at 1:19 PM EDT · AI, Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![WhatsApp removes exposed instructions governing its support chatbot — Primary](https://media.wired.com/photos/6ad61af88d7b5cce41c3ec77/191:100/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-2262950720.jpg)

WhatsApp removed hidden chatbot instructions from its help pages after WIRED contacted Meta about their exposure. Privacy company Redact found the instructions on around 80 pages; WIRED viewed the text, including directions against recommending a data protection authority to users asking about account deletion.

Other instructions barred interpreting privacy regulations even when users raised them directly. Meta said a bug exposed the text and has been fixed, and said its support chatbot should provide product help rather than legal advice. How long the instructions were exposed remains unclear.

## Sources

- [WIRED](https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-help-pages-leaked-hidden-instructions-for-a-meta-chatbot/)

---
Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/KgeBDOu3bNqQsIz52RVunc
Published: 2026-10-19T17:19:57.786Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-19T16:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-19T20:22:00.696Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)