San Francisco: Meta has announced a major update to its WhatsApp Business API policy, effectively barring third-party artificial intelligence chatbots, including popular tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, from operating on the platform. The move ensures that only Meta’s own AI assistant will remain active on WhatsApp.
According to the updated policy set to take effect on January 15, 2026, “providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative AI platforms, and general-purpose AI assistants,” will be prohibited from using WhatsApp’s Business Solution if AI is the primary service offered.
The new rule signals Meta’s intent to consolidate control over AI-based experiences within its ecosystem, where Meta AI already powers chat services across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
While the company stated that the restriction aims to reduce server load caused by external AI tools, the decision also underscores growing competition among tech giants in the AI space.
Meta has clarified, however, that the policy will not affect businesses that use AI for customer service, such as banks, e-commerce platforms, and healthcare providers, as long as the technology supports existing human-led operations.
In response, OpenAI confirmed that ChatGPT will be discontinued on WhatsApp from January 15, 2026. “ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp. It remains accessible on iOS, Android, and the web,” the company said in a statement.
OpenAI advised users to link their accounts soon to preserve their chat history, as WhatsApp conversations will not transfer automatically after the cutoff date. Users are also being given the option to unlink their phone numbers after moving their chat data to ChatGPT on the web or mobile apps. The policy marks a significant shift in WhatsApp’s approach to AI integrations, giving Meta exclusive control over chatbot services.
