ChatGPT, Perplexity, and several other AI assistants have been available on WhatsApp through direct messaging — an innovative but unofficial way of reaching the platform’s massive global user base. However, that approach is coming to an end.
WhatsApp already integrates Meta’s own AI assistant directly into the app interface, giving it prime visibility across the platform. Starting January 15, 2026, Meta AI is expected to become the only chatbot available natively on WhatsApp.
According to TechCrunch, Meta recently updated its WhatsApp Business API policy to prohibit external AI chatbots from using its infrastructure. The decision effectively blocks companies like OpenAI (ChatGPT), Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke from offering automated assistant services through WhatsApp.
Meta confirmed that this new restriction does not apply to businesses using the API for legitimate customer support purposes — even if those systems use AI to chat with users. The updated policy specifically targets general-purpose chatbots:
“Providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative artificial intelligence platforms, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants, or similar technologies as determined by Meta in its sole discretion (‘AI Providers’), are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution… when such technologies are the primary (rather than incidental or ancillary) functionality being made available for use.”
ChatGPT and Perplexity on WhatsApp
OpenAI first introduced ChatGPT on WhatsApp in December 2024 via a dedicated phone number, allowing users to interact with the chatbot directly through messages. Despite ChatGPT having standalone iOS and Android apps—and integrations with Apple Intelligence on modern iPhones, iPads, and Macs—the WhatsApp experience attracted users who preferred the familiar chat interface.
By February 2025, OpenAI had expanded the experience with support for voice messages and image uploads, followed in June by image generation capabilities. Perplexity launched its own AI assistant on WhatsApp in April, offering a similar conversational research experience.
Why Meta Is Limiting AI Chatbots
TechCrunch reports that Meta was caught off guard by the rapid rise of third-party chatbots using its Business API. These integrations generated heavy message traffic and introduced complex support issues, all without corresponding revenue for Meta.
Unlike traditional business accounts that pay Meta for customer messaging via the API, chatbot developers were effectively using WhatsApp’s network for free consumer engagement.
Meta’s challenge stems from WhatsApp’s 3+ billion monthly users and its end-to-end encryption, which prevents ad placement within chats. As a result, Meta relies heavily on business messaging to monetize the platform. President Mark Zuckerberg has previously emphasized that improving paid interactions between users and businesses is a key revenue initiative.
Allowing third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Perplexity to grow inside WhatsApp not only consumes valuable infrastructure but also risks diverting user attention from Meta AI — a strategic cornerstone in Meta’s ecosystem. The ban underscores Meta’s intent to both control innovation within its platforms and protect its growing AI business from competitors.
