Text-to-speech feature for users with congenital mutism

Hello,

I would like to suggest adding a text-to-speech feature to WhatsApp specifically designed for deaf and mute users. This feature would allow users to type messages and have them spoken aloud through a customizable voice, with options to select characteristics like gender and emotional tone. Such personalization is crucial, as intonation can dramatically alter the meaning and intent of a message—something text and emojis alone often fail to fully capture, that non-mute users overcome by using the voice-recording option.

Currently, Meta AI on WhatsApp offers only text-based responses, which limits accessibility for users who rely on spoken communication. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 70 million people worldwide are deaf and mute, many of whom use smartphones and WhatsApp regularly. By integrating this feature, WhatsApp has the opportunity to significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity for a large and underserved population.

Meta already has the tools required in their own ecosystem, with Audiobox. This enhancement would transform communication for millions, allowing them to express themselves more fully and engage more naturally with others.