WhatsApp is banning AI chatbots like ChatGPT soon. Here’s why
Uh oh, Meta is implementing a change that some users won’t like (and others will applaud). Due to new guidelines for WhatsApp business accounts, AI chatbots will soon no longer be allowed when used as the primary purpose of the messaging app.
The relevant policy text says:
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… are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, whether directly or indirectly, for the purpose of providing, delivering, offering, selling or otherwise making available such technologies where such technologies constitute the primary functionality (rather whether incidental or incidental) made available, as determined by Meta in its sole discretion.
In simple terms, this means that AI tools like ChatGPT will be removed from WhatsApp and AI providers (such as Perplexity) will no longer be allowed to offer chatbots through WhatsApp. The only AI you will be allowed to use for support on WhatsApp will be Meta’s own AI.
Officially, the change will not take effect until January 16, 2026but it is possible that OpenAI will remove ChatGPT from WhatsApp before then to avoid conflicts with Meta.
Why is WhatsApp banning AI chatbots?
According to Meta (via TechCrunch), chatbots like ChatGPT “placed a lot of load on its system with increased message volume and required a different type of support, which the company was not ready for.”
However, the fact that Meta’s AI has also been available in WhatsApp since the beginning of this year is also likely to be a factor that led to this decision, especially since Meta’s AI cannot be disabled or removed.
From January 2026, it will still be possible to use chatbots and AI in WhatsApp, for example to provide support or customer service. But there can no longer be a real AI assistant. Anyone who violates the guidelines risks being banned from WhatsApp Business Solutions.
What should you do about it?
To date, over 50 million people have reportedly used ChatGPT via WhatsApp, which should be considered a huge success for both apps. However, the end of this brief collaboration is inevitable.
Starting in January 2026, anyone who wants to continue using ChatGPT will need to use one of ChatGPT’s apps (like the Android version on the Play Store) or directly in the web browser. Both options offer more features than ChatGPT via WhatsApp, and they are less limited when it comes to file uploading or voice typing.
Alternatively, you can start chatting with Meta AI via WhatsApp’s search bar. Meta AI is currently based on the Llama 4 language model, which offers efficient, solution-oriented responses, but is not as good at working with context as ChatGPT. Note that Meta AI will soon start spying on your chats to personalize ads and content.
If you don’t want to lose access to your chat history with ChatGPT, you need to back it up before January 15, 2026. To do this, you need to link your WhatsApp account to your ChatGPT account, which you can do through ChatGPT on WhatsApp by clicking on the three-dot menu then Show contacts. Scroll down, then select Link your ChatGPT account.
Further reading: Fun Ways to Use ChatGPT When You’re Bored
