WhatsApp is preparing a major shift to its platform as it moves to block all non-Meta AI chatbots starting January 15th, 2026. The company has updated its terms of service to ensure that only Meta’s own AI tools operate inside the messaging app. The decision will directly impact millions of users who rely on third-party chatbots.
The move follows recent announcements from OpenAI and Microsoft. OpenAI confirmed last month that ChatGPT would leave WhatsApp, and Microsoft said earlier this week that Copilot support would also end. Both companies pointed to WhatsApp’s updated rules as the reason for their exit.
WhatsApp is making one notable exception. Businesses that use approved AI bots for customer support will be able to continue. However, the change still marks one of the platform’s biggest policy shifts and will affect many WhatsApp Business users.
ChatGPT users will be able to migrate their WhatsApp chat history before the deadline. However, Copilot users will lose access without any migration option. The update signals Meta’s growing push to control the AI ecosystem inside WhatsApp, and it arrives as the company expands its own AI features across messaging products.