Meta bans rival AI chatbots from WhatsApp starting January 2026
Source: Saiyp | Date: 2025-11-27 10:25:00
Meta announced it will prohibit third-party AI chatbots—including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot—from using its commercial API on WhatsApp beginning January 15, 2026. The move bars external AI companies, especially those whose core product is an AI assistant, from operating bots on the platform.
Under the new policy, only Meta’s own AI—powered by its Llama models—will remain as the sole general-purpose AI chatbot on WhatsApp. While ChatGPT users can still access the service until the deadline and save chat history via account linking, Copilot users won’t have that option and will lose access to past conversations. Other providers like Perplexity may also be forced to exit.
The decision has sparked criticism, with users lamenting reduced choice and a less diverse AI experience. Analysts say Meta aims to boost its AI competitiveness and tighten control over WhatsApp’s emerging AI ecosystem—a shift that could reshape user behavior and influence the broader AI landscape.