Meta Blocks Third-Party AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

- Meta will ban third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT from WhatsApp by January 2026.
- Only AI used for customer service by businesses will be allowed.
- The move follows Meta’s push to grow its own AI assistant across its apps.
Meta has updated its WhatsApp Business API policy, officially banning popular third-party AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke from operating on the platform. The new policy, published on October 18, will take effect on January 15, 2026.
This decision is part of Meta’s broader strategy to promote its in-house Meta AI assistant, which is being rolled out across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. These AI features are being introduced without giving users an option to turn them off, and Meta has also stated that chats with Meta AI may be used to deliver personalized ads across its apps.
The revised policy specifically prohibits developers and companies whose main service is AI or machine learning technology, including large language models and generative AI, from using the WhatsApp Business API. Meta stated it will decide what counts as 'AI-focused use' at its sole discretion.
However, not all AI use is off-limits. Businesses that use AI for customer support, such as banks, healthcare providers, online shops, and travel platforms, can continue using the API.
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This change is set to affect many independent AI chatbot providers that have recently gained traction on WhatsApp, as they will be forced to shut down or shift away from the platform by the 2026 deadline.
Meta’s latest move signals a clear intent is to control the AI experience within its ecosystem and push out external competition.