Meta-owned WhatsApp is in the process of making significant changes to its platform. The company plans to block the use of external AI chatbots or any third-party AI assistants. Meta has not publicly shared a formal reason for the decision. However, based on its internal statement, the move appears to be driven by concerns over the heavy load that is impacting WhatsApp’s infrastructure.
WhatsApp’s New Guideline On AI Chatbots
According to the available details, the new guidelines are set to take effect on January 15, 2026. That date would mark the final day for business accounts to use chatbots such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or any other non-Meta AI chatbot.
Both Meta’s external AI partners — Microsoft and OpenAI — have confirmed their planned departure from the platform ahead of the deadline. Earlier this week, both companies stated that WhatsApp’s upcoming policy updates will require third-party AI chatbot providers to exit the platform. Meanwhile, other AI-focused companies, including Perplexity AI, might announce their own exits soon.
Once the new policy is implemented, Meta’s own AI assistant will become the only chatbot allowed within WhatsApp.
WhatsApp To Ban AI Chatbots
Users of ChatGPT via WhatsApp have been advised to back up or transfer their chats before the deadline. If they fail to do so, their conversations and associated data may become unretrievable. Microsoft has noted that Copilot users will not have any way to transfer their data.
