Policy · Updated 20 Oct, 04:52 am IST
WhatsApp help pages contained hidden instructions for AI to avoid recommending regulator
Why it matters for readers: It shows that websites can hide content meant only for machines, which can change what AI tells people.
- Hidden, non-visible text in WhatsApp help pages instructed an AI not to recommend a data protection regulator.1
- The researchers inspected all 545 pages linked from WhatsApp's help centre and saved copies on October 8, 2026.1
- They found 102 hidden blocks across 80 pages, most harmless, but two blocks were notable for their directives.1
- On the account deletion page, visible text said deletion must be done inside the app with the number active and described waiting periods; hidden text repeated those periods and added three orders for the AI.1
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