WhatsApp to Block External AI Tools by 2026
WhatsApp is gearing up for a significant change that will affect users and businesses alike. Starting from January 15, 2026, the messaging platform will enforce new rules that restrict the usage of external AI chatbots, including popular ones like ChatGPT and Copilot. This decision comes from Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, which has confirmed that only its own AI assistant will be permitted on the platform.
OpenAI and Microsoft have already announced their intention to withdraw their chatbot services from WhatsApp before the deadline. This means that users who currently rely on ChatGPT for their chat interactions will need to link their accounts prior to the cutoff date to ensure they retain their conversation history. However, Microsoft has indicated that Copilot users will not have a way to transfer their chat records.
The move aims to streamline business communications on WhatsApp. Meta has clarified that the WhatsApp Business API will still be available for businesses that utilize it for customer support and information services but will no longer support independent AI chatbots as the main product. This policy adjustment highlights Meta's focus on maintaining a controlled environment for business interactions.
In October, Meta reached out to AI developers to inform them of these changes, emphasizing that the API's purpose is to assist companies in delivering essential updates and support to their customers. The new restrictions are part of Meta's strategy to foster a system that benefits businesses utilizing WhatsApp for communication.
As these changes come into effect, it’s expected that more AI companies, including those like Perplexity, may also decide to exit the platform. This shift could significantly alter the landscape of AI chatbots on WhatsApp, leaving Meta's AI assistant as the sole option for users.
In summary, this development marks a pivotal moment for WhatsApp users and the broader AI chatbot ecosystem, as the platform transitions to a more regulated environment that prioritizes its own tools.
