In battle
White Smoke prevents stat reduction caused by other Pokémon's moves and Abilities (such as Scary Face and Intimidate), including Sticky Web. White Smoke does not prevent self-inflicted stat reductions such as from moves like Superpower or Hammer Arm.
White Smoke only protects from effects that lower stat stages, so it does not prevent stat reduction from items like the Iron Ball, the status conditions paralysis or burn, or the moves Guard Split or Power Split. White Smoke does not prevent stat stages being directly modified by Heart Swap, Guard Swap, Power Swap, Baton Pass, or Topsy-Turvy.
This Ability is ignored by Pokémon with Mold Breaker, Teravolt, and Turboblaze.
Outside of battle
From Pokémon Emerald onwards, if a Pokémon with White Smoke is in the first place in the party (even if fainted), the chance of encountering a wild Pokémon is decreased by 50%. It shares this effect with Quick Feet and Stench.