WhatsApp to Block General AI Chatbots from 2026

WhatsApp users have long relied on AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Luzia for various tasks. Some used them to gather information, draft messages, or complete small tasks. However, this option will no longer be available starting next year.

WhatsApp has announced that from 15 January 2026, third-party general-purpose AI chatbots will no longer be supported on the platform. This means popular AI bots such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, or Poe will no longer function on WhatsApp.

Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, clarified that this rule will only apply to general conversational or assistant AI bots. Business-oriented or customer service chatbots—like hotel booking assistants or airline flight information bots—will continue to operate as usual.

According to Meta, the WhatsApp Business API was originally designed to facilitate communication between businesses and customers. However, many companies have been using it to run general AI chatbots, which goes beyond WhatsApp’s intended purpose.

Analysts say there is also a commercial motive behind the decision. The WhatsApp Business API is currently a major revenue source for Meta, with businesses paying based on message types. In the case of general AI chatbots, Meta does not earn separately. The new policy will allow Meta to strengthen both control and revenue structures.