Meta Bans ChatGPT, Perplexity on WhatsApp

Published Date : 19/10/2025 

Meta has quietly updated its WhatsApp business API policy to ban general-purpose AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Perplexity, from the platform. The new policy, effective January 15, 2026, aims to maintain Meta's dominance in the AI chatbot arena. 

Meta appears to be tightening its grip on the AI chatbot landscape on WhatsApp. Since the launch of Meta AI, the company has been integrating AI features prominently across its social media platforms, including WhatsApp, without offering users a way to opt out.

The company recently announced that it will use conversations with Meta AI to tailor ads for users across its platforms. This move underscores Meta's strategy to leverage AI for targeted advertising, enhancing user engagement and revenue.

In a significant update, Meta has quietly revised its business API policy on WhatsApp to ban general-purpose AI chatbots. The new policy, published on October 18, will take effect on January 15, 2026. This means that third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke, which have launched their chatbots on WhatsApp, will have to cease operations on the platform.

The updated policy explicitly states: “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.”

However, the new policy will not affect businesses using AI for customer service. E-commerce platforms, banks, travel companies, and healthcare providers will still be able to utilize AI for customer support without any restrictions.

A Meta spokesperson explained to TechCrunch that the AI chatbots placed a significant burden on its system, leading to increased message volume and requiring a different level of support that the company is not yet equipped to handle. While Meta cites server load as the primary reason for this move, the underlying competition in the AI field cannot be overlooked.

Earlier this year, Meta established its Superintelligence Labs, recruiting top talent from OpenAI and other AI companies. The race to achieve Superintelligence, a hypothetical stage where AI can perform most tasks as well as humans or even better, is intensifying. Meta's actions suggest a strategic move to maintain its dominance in the AI chatbot market and protect its investments in AI technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new policy update by Meta on WhatsApp?

A: Meta has updated its business API policy on WhatsApp to ban general-purpose AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Perplexity, from the platform. The policy will take effect on January 15, 2026.

Q: Why is Meta implementing this new policy?

A: Meta cites the increased load on its servers and the need for different support as reasons for the new policy. However, the underlying competition in the AI field is also a significant factor.

Q: Will businesses still be able to use AI for customer service on WhatsApp?

A: Yes, the new policy will not affect businesses using AI for customer service. E-commerce platforms, banks, travel companies, and healthcare providers can still use AI for customer support.

Q: What is Meta's Superintelligence Labs?

A: Meta's Superintelligence Labs is a research and development initiative aimed at achieving Superintelligence, a hypothetical stage where AI can perform most tasks as well as humans or even better. The labs have recruited top talent from OpenAI and other AI companies.

Q: How will this policy impact users of ChatGPT and Perplexity on WhatsApp?

A: Users of ChatGPT and Perplexity on WhatsApp will no longer be able to use these AI chatbots on the platform once the new policy takes effect on January 15, 2026. 

More Related Topics :