WhatsApp Help Pages Leaked Hidden Instructions for a Meta Chatbot

WiredOct 19, 2026Oct 19, 2026, 12:00 PM AST

Chatbots follow hidden instructions, often called a system prompt, that shape what they will and will not say. About 80 WhatsApp help pages exposed text written for Meta's support bot, including instructions not to mention data protection regulators or legal documents when users raised complaints. Meta says a bug displayed the text and that it has been fixed.

Summary written with AI by HowTechMoves, based on reporting by Wired.

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