.png){kind=logo}
Instinct, an AI assistant that works through messaging apps, is back on WhatsApp after a short service outage. The problem left several users waiting for replies from their AI agents. Founder Noah Shinn explained that there was a configuration error on the startup’s end that interrupted payments to one of its service providers, which caused this outage. On November 2, he confirmed that the issue has been fixed and the app will work on WhatsApp as usual.
According to his statement, “The issue has now been resolved, and WhatsApp is working normally again. Messages you sent us during the outage were received, and we’re following up with anyone who didn’t get a response.” He further continued, “We’re sorry for the disruption and are making changes to prevent it from happening again. We’ll keep you informed whenever something like this affects Instinct.”
Additionally, several Instinct users have complained that WhatsApp has banned their account for using the AI service, which is probably part of Meta’s restrictions on third-party AI agents. This is not the first time that Meta has blocked competing chatbots, which brought it under scrutiny.
However, these reports are separate from the outage, and no confirmed link has been found between the two. The incident comes amid Meta's efforts to set rules for outside AI services on WhatsApp. Instinct is an app that allows users book flights, make reservations, manage emails and shop through simple messages. Now the growing use of the app has brought to attention the risks that allow AI agents to handle personal tasks.
AI agents can save time, but they do not always get things right. An agent could book the wrong flight, send an email to the wrong person or buy something without the user’s approval. It may also share private information by mistake. These errors can cause money loss and create serious privacy problems.
Instinct's return to WhatsApp has fixed the immediate issue. However, the incident shows that AI services need more than useful features. They must also be safe and reliable. As people trust AI agents with more daily tasks, keeping that trust will be a major challenge.