OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot are set to leave WhatsApp as the messaging app updates its terms of service to restrict third-party AI chatbots. The change, which comes into effect on January 15, 2026, will prevent companies from using WhatsApp to distribute AI chatbots that are not made by Meta.
Why ChatGPT and Copilot Are Leaving
OpenAI announced its planned departure several weeks ago, with Microsoft following suit this week. Both companies cited Meta’s new terms of service for the WhatsApp Business Solution as the reason behind their exit. Users will still have access to the chatbots on WhatsApp until the policy takes effect. ChatGPT users can link their accounts to preserve chat history, but Copilot users will not have this option.
Meta’s New AI Chatbot Policy
The update, first announced in October, prohibits AI companies from using WhatsApp’s Business API to distribute chatbots when the AI itself is the product. Other businesses can still use WhatsApp for customer service and support chatbots, but third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Copilot will no longer be allowed.
An anonymous Meta spokesperson explained to TechCrunch:
“The purpose of the WhatsApp Business API is to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates. Our focus is on supporting the tens of thousands of businesses who are building these experiences on WhatsApp.”
Impact on Third-Party AI
The move is expected to affect other AI chatbots as well. Companies such as Perplexity AI may announce similar departures, leaving Meta AI as the primary AI chatbot option available on WhatsApp starting January 2026.
This change signals Meta’s intention to limit competition from third-party AI providers while focusing on its own AI ecosystem, impacting both businesses and users who rely on AI chatbots for communication through WhatsApp.
