WhatsApp, one of Meta’s flagship platforms, has introduced a voice transcription feature to convert audio notes into text. The tool, designed to help users navigate conversations without playing lengthy recordings, is processed locally on devices to maintain privacy through end-to-end encryption.
Unlike competitors relying on cloud services, WhatsApp’s approach ensures that neither Meta nor third parties can access the content.
The update reflects a broader push by Meta to enhance its messaging services, including similar AI-driven features on Messenger, even as the company faces increasing legal scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe. WhatsApp Voice Transcripts are rolling out globally over the coming weeks with a few select languages to start and Meta plans to add more over the coming months.
How WhatsApp’s Voice Transcriptions Work
To use the feature, users must enable it under Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts. Once activated, long-pressing an audio note allows for transcription in real-time.
The feature supports a limited number of languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian on Android, with iOS offering a broader set depending on the software version.
Unlike Apple’s iOS transcription tool, which partly relies on cloud processing, WhatsApp performs this entirely on-device. This design prioritizes user security and aligns with Meta’s proclaimed commitment to privacy.
For instance, local processing minimizes risks associated with data interception, making this a notable alternative for privacy-conscious users.
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Messenger Adds Siri Support, HD Calling, and Voicemail
While WhatsApp enhances accessibility for audio notes, Messenger has also undergone a major update. Users can now leverage Siri integration to send messages or make calls hands-free. Commands like, “Hey Siri, message [name] on Messenger,” bring it closer to Apple’s FaceTime ecosystem.
The update also includes HD video calling, now default for Wi-Fi calls, and voice isolation, which uses advanced audio filtering to improve clarity during calls. In addition, AI-generated video call backgrounds allow users to personalize their environments dynamically during calls, expanding on Messenger’s earlier chat themes.
For missed connections, Messenger’s voicemail feature supports both audio and video formats, providing greater flexibility for asynchronous communication.
AI and Privacy Challenges
Meta’s broader integration of artificial intelligence has sparked debates over data privacy. Earlier this year, the company stopped using European data for AI training after regulatory concerns. This reflects ongoing tensions between privacy regulations and innovation in AI development.
To comply with stricter European laws, Meta introduced an ad-free subscription model priced at €5.99 per month. Originally launched at €9.99, the price drop followed criticism from consumer advocates, highlighting the growing influence of European digital policies on Meta’s operations.
Regulatory Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Meta’s messaging updates coincide with significant legal challenges. In the U.S., a judge allowed the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust case to proceed, accusing Meta of using acquisitions like WhatsApp and Instagram to dominate the social media landscape. If successful, the FTC could force Meta to divest these platforms.
Meta defends its acquisitions by citing user growth. For example, Instagram expanded from 30 million users in 2012 to over one billion today, while WhatsApp surpassed two billion users globally. The company also highlights competitors like TikTok and Snapchat to argue that the market remains competitive.
In Europe, Meta was fined €797.72 million for bundling Facebook Marketplace with its main platform, which regulators claim stifled competition in online classifieds. Meta, however, insists that Marketplace usage is optional and cites rivals like eBay as evidence of a healthy market. The company has appealed the decision.
Balancing Innovation and Scrutiny
Meta’s updates to its messaging platforms illustrate a dual strategy: introducing new tools to retain users while addressing mounting legal and regulatory challenges. From encrypted voice transcriptions on WhatsApp to Siri-powered messaging on Messenger, the company is advancing its AI and privacy technologies to stay ahead in a competitive and scrutinized market.
