WhatsApp has changed its Business API terms to ban general-purpose AI chatbots, leaving Meta AI as the only assistant allowed on the platform from 15 January 2026.
📌 Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp will block general-purpose chatbots via its Business API from 15 Jan 2026.
- The policy targets AI providers distributing assistants like ChatGPT or Perplexity.
- Meta AI remains the only first-party assistant permitted on WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp serves 3B+ monthly users, magnifying platform impact for AI tools.
- ChatGPT on WhatsApp ends 15 Jan 2026; iOS, Android, and web continue.
What Changed In WhatsApp’s Rules
WhatsApp added a new “AI Providers” section to its Business API terms. The text forbids distributing LLM-based assistants when the assistant is the primary functionality.
The change explicitly names general-purpose assistants as out of scope for the API’s intended design. It takes effect on 15 January 2026, giving developers a transition window.
Why Meta Is Doing This Now
WhatsApp says the Business API was built for customer support and updates, not hosting third-party general assistants that drive massive message volume.
“The purpose of the WhatsApp Business API is to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates.” — Meta
Meta also struggled to monetise these chatbot flows under existing template pricing. That misalignment pushed the policy reset.
What It Means For ChatGPT And Other Bots
The new rule shuts the door on distributing third-party assistants such as ChatGPT through WhatsApp’s Business API. Meta AI remains allowed.
OpenAI separately confirms ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp from 15 January 2026. ChatGPT continues on iOS, Android, and the web.
Scale And Policy Context
WhatsApp now reaches more than three billion monthly users, making any platform policy shift immediately consequential for AI distribution.
In the EU, WhatsApp averages 46.8 million monthly users, triggering DSA obligations that heighten scrutiny of automated interactions and safety defaults.
Timeline And What’s Actually Allowed
The effective date is 15 January 2026. Between now and then, WhatsApp can enforce terms against non-compliant bots as needed.
Customer-service automations that help a business answer support queries remain permitted. The prohibition targets general-purpose assistants, not narrow, business-specific flows.
What Changes For ChatGPT Users And Teams
Below is a quick, factual snapshot of where things land after WhatsApp’s change.
- Availability: ChatGPT continues on iOS, Android, and web; WhatsApp access ends 15 Jan 2026.
- Data Portability: WhatsApp conversations won’t transfer to ChatGPT after that date; WhatsApp doesn’t support chat exports.
- Business Use: WhatsApp still permits customer-support bots from businesses; general assistants are out-of-scope.
- Impact Scale: Policy affects a network serving 3B+ MAU, including large markets where bots grew quickly.
A second-order effect is discoverability. Without WhatsApp distribution, third-party AI assistants must lean on apps, web, or SMS for reach. That shifts onboarding and retention strategies.
How Platforms Will Likely Evolve Next
Expect Meta to foreground Meta AI inside WhatsApp while nudging businesses toward first-party templates and monetisable flows that match the API’s billing model.
Third-party assistants will prioritise native apps and web widgets over messaging-app distribution, reducing dependency on a single platform’s policy.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new terms remove general-purpose chatbots from its Business API and reserve assistant presence for Meta’s own offering. The decision reasserts scope and monetisation alignment.
For ChatGPT, the WhatsApp chapter ends on 15 January 2026, while standard access points remain intact. The broader AI market now adapts distribution away from WhatsApp’s rails.
📈 Latest AI News
21st October 2025
For the recent AI News, visit our site.
If you liked this article, be sure to follow us on X/Twitter and also LinkedIn for more exclusive content.
