WhatsApp is planning a major policy change from January 15, 2026, which will block access for all third-party AI assistants on its platform.
Microsoft has already confirmed that its Copilot AI assistant will no longer work on WhatsApp starting next year.
For years, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Copilot have operated as WhatsApp bots, allowing users to ask questions, generate images, or search the web directly through the messaging app.
However, with the new rules by Meta, these integrations will be disabled.
Why Meta is Making This Change
Meta has observed that businesses have been using WhatsApp’s API to run AI assistants for general users.
This creates extra load on the platform and may compete with WhatsApp’s own services.
To address these concerns, Meta’s new policy clearly states that bots operating primarily as AI assistants will no longer be allowed on WhatsApp.
This affects popular AI bots, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and now Microsoft Copilot.
What Users Need to Know About Copilot
Microsoft has confirmed that users can continue using Copilot on mobile, web, and PC, but WhatsApp conversations with Copilot will not automatically transfer to these platforms after January 2026.
However, WhatsApp offers a tool to export your chat history, so you can save conversations before the AI bots are disabled.
Users are encouraged to do this before the January 15 deadline.
What This Means for AI on Messaging Apps
This move is a significant change for AI integrations on WhatsApp.
Meta’s concern is both technical — reducing server load — and strategic, as AI bots could pull users away from the platform.
For users, it means planning ahead if you rely on AI assistants through WhatsApp.
You can continue using these AI tools elsewhere, but WhatsApp will no longer support them as chatbots on the platform.
