(Image source from: Techlusive.in)
In a significant change to its policies, WhatsApp, which is part of Meta Platforms, has revised the rules for its Business Application Programming Interfaces (API), leading to a ban on general-use AI chatbots, starting on January 15, 2026.
The new policy introduces a specific clause for "AI Providers," which bans developers who create large-language models or generative-AI assistants from using WhatsApp's business system to share their bots if those bots are the main feature of the platform. This change directly affects chatbot services from companies like OpenAI (ChatGPT), Perplexity AI, Luzia, and Poke, which have utilized WhatsApp to distribute AI that interacts with consumers. Meta claims that the Business API was meant for business-to-customer purposes, like support, appointments, or authentication, instead of broad chat-assistant services. The company noted that the increasing number of messages from chatbots created "system pressures" on its infrastructure and affected its revenue model.
"Those who provide and develop artificial intelligence or machine learning technology, including large language models, generative AI platforms, general AI assistants, or similar technologies as defined solely by Meta ('AI Providers'), are completely forbidden from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, either directly or indirectly, for the purpose of providing, delivering, selling, or offering such technologies when these technologies are the main (not incidental or supplementary) feature being made available for use, as solely determined by Meta," WhatsApp outlined in its revised terms and conditions. Importantly, this ban does not concern businesses that use AI within WhatsApp for customer-support bots, as long as the conversational AI is not the main service offered. Therefore, most typical enterprise bots will still be allowed. As the January 2026 date nears, AI companies must adjust their services on WhatsApp or look for other options. Meanwhile, Meta’s own "Meta AI" assistant seems poised to be the only general-use chatbot permitted on the platform.
