Starting in 2026, AI firms will no longer be permitted to use WhatsApp as a chat interface. This decision comes after several companies, including OpenAI and Perplexity, introduced phone numbers for users to interact with their models directly via WhatsApp.
While this method offers a more limited experience compared to their full platforms, it has attracted users, especially in regions where WhatsApp usage does not incur data charges.
WhatsApp boasts a massive user base of 3 billion, making it an attractive platform for AI companies. However, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has taken notice and is revising its business API policies to restrict others from utilizing the platform primarily for chatbot interactions, given that it has its own chatbot services.
As per the policy, starting January 15, 2026, providers of large language models (LLMs) will be prohibited from accessing WhatsApp’s business API when their technologies serve as the main function offered.
This change will not impact businesses using AI for customer support on WhatsApp; rather, it targets those using the app as a front-end for general chatbot conversations.
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, whether directly or indirectly, for the purposes of providing, delivering, offering, selling, or otherwise making available such technologies when such technologies are the primary (rather than incidental or ancillary) functionality being made available for use, as determined by Meta in its sole discretion.
In response to these new rules, OpenAI has already stated that its WhatsApp contact will cease to function after January 15, 2026.
Meanwhile, Perplexity, which is also available on platforms like Telegram and X, has yet to announce its plans regarding WhatsApp support.
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