Meta Prohibits Third-Party AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

Meta has updated its WhatsApp Business API policy to ban third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke from operating on the platform. The new policy, announced on October 18, will be enforced starting January 15, 2026.

This update represents a strategic move by Meta to strengthen its position in the AI chatbot market, especially following the introduction of its own Meta AI assistant across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. The company has been integrating AI features into its platforms without offering users the option to disable them and recently stated that conversations with Meta AI could be used for targeted advertising across its apps.

According to the revised policy, “providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative AI platforms, and general-purpose AI assistants” are prohibited from using the WhatsApp Business Solution if AI is the primary functionality offered. Meta retains the right to determine such use “at its sole discretion.”

However, Meta clarified that this rule does not apply to businesses using AI for customer service, such as banks, e-commerce platforms, healthcare providers, or travel companies.

The decision is expected to affect a growing number of independent AI chatbot providers that have gained popularity on WhatsApp in recent months, forcing them to cease their services on the platform once the policy is implemented.