ChatGPT has returned to WhatsApp in the European Economic Area (EEA) after a decision by the European Commission forced Meta to offer free access to third-party AI chatbots on the messaging platform.
Last month, the European Commission announced that Meta must allow third-party AI chatbots in WhatsApp at no cost for users in the EEA. The move came after Meta blocked these chatbots in November last year.
Later, in March, Meta changed its policy and allowed third-party AI chatbots to return to WhatsApp. However, the company only made them available through a paid model. European regulators then stepped in and ordered Meta to provide free access again while the investigation continues.
As a result, ChatGPT is now available on WhatsApp across the EEA. Users can chat with the AI assistant by messaging the phone number 1-800-CHATGPT. They do not need to download or install the ChatGPT app to use the service.
The WhatsApp version of ChatGPT offers many of the same features found in the standalone app. Users can ask questions, upload pictures, send voice messages, and even generate images directly inside WhatsApp.
The European Commission has not yet reached a final decision in its investigation into Meta’s handling of third-party AI chatbots. However, Meta must continue offering free access to these services in WhatsApp until regulators complete the case and announce their final ruling.
