Policy Change Triggers Departures

Meta announced an update to its WhatsApp Business Solution terms in October, expressly banning AI companies from using the WhatsApp Business API as a distribution platform for chatbots that are not created by Meta. The new rules, which take effect on January 15th, 2026, aim to preserve the API for customer service and support functions while restricting cases where the artificial intelligence itself is the product. In response, OpenAI and Microsoft confirmed that their AI chatbots, ChatGPT and Copilot respectively, will be removed from WhatsApp.

OpenAI and Microsoft Statements

OpenAI disclosed its plan to exit WhatsApp a few weeks ago, citing the new terms as the primary reason. Microsoft followed suit this week, indicating the same compliance motive. Both companies emphasized that they are abiding by Meta’s updated policy. OpenAI further noted that ChatGPT users will be able to link their accounts to retain their chat history after the departure, whereas Copilot users will not have a comparable option.

Impact on the AI Chatbot Landscape

The enforcement of the new terms is expected to prompt additional third‑party AI chatbot providers, such as Perplexity, to withdraw from WhatsApp, leaving Meta’s own AI offerings as the only chatbot services permitted on the platform after the January deadline. This development narrows the competitive field and could concentrate user interaction with Meta’s AI solutions within the WhatsApp ecosystem.

WhatsApp’s Rationale

According to a spokesperson for Meta, the WhatsApp Business API is intended to help businesses deliver customer support and relevant updates. The company clarified that the policy does not affect businesses using the API for traditional support or notification purposes, only those that use the API to distribute standalone AI chatbot products.

Future Outlook

As the January 2026 deadline approaches, users of ChatGPT and Copilot on WhatsApp will need to transition to alternative platforms or adjust to the loss of service on the messaging app. OpenAI’s provision for preserving chat history may ease the migration for its users, while Microsoft’s lack of a similar feature could lead to a more abrupt shift for Copilot users. The broader AI chatbot market will likely monitor the impact of Meta’s policy on user engagement and platform diversity.

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