WhatsApp Shuts Door on AI Chatbots

Starting next year, AI companies can't use WhatsApp as a chat interface.

This move affects companies like OpenAI and Perplexity, which have been using WhatsApp to let users chat with their AI models.

Why This Change Matters

• Huge User Base: WhatsApp has 3 billion users.
• Data-Friendly: Many AI companies saw WhatsApp as a great opportunity, especially in places where WhatsApp doesn't count against data plans.

New Rule Details

• Business API Restriction: AI companies can't use WhatsApp's business API if their main service is providing AI chatbots.
• Customer Support Allowed: Companies can still use AI for customer support on WhatsApp.

Company Responses

• OpenAI: Their WhatsApp contact won't work after January 15, 2026.
• Perplexity: Hasn't confirmed their plans yet.

Meta's Motivation

• Competition: Meta has its own chatbot and might not want competition on its platform.
• User Experience: This move could also be about controlling the user experience on WhatsApp.