WhatsApp gives ChatGPT and Copilot the boot: What’s next for AI chatbots?

Recently, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot have announced their departure from WhatsApp due to impending changes in the messaging app’s terms of service. These changes will restrict the use of AI chatbots not developed by Meta on the platform.

OpenAI made its decision public a few weeks ago, with Microsoft following suit more recently. Both companies cited Meta’s new terms of service for WhatsApp Business Solution as the reason for their departure. The updated terms are set to take effect on January 15th, 2026, but the chatbots will remain accessible on WhatsApp until that date. While ChatGPT users can link their accounts to WhatsApp to transfer their chat history, Copilot users will not have this option available.

In October, WhatsApp announced revisions to its terms, prohibiting AI companies from using its business API as a platform for distributing chatbots. However, other companies will still be allowed to utilize WhatsApp for customer service or support chatbots. The prohibition specifically targets instances where the AI itself serves as the product, effectively preventing Meta’s AI competitors from leveraging its platform to engage with customers.

An anonymous spokesperson from Meta stated to TechCrunch that the primary aim of the WhatsApp Business API is to assist businesses in providing customer support and delivering relevant updates. The focus remains on supporting the multitude of businesses that are creating these experiences on WhatsApp.

This policy adjustment implies that other third-party AI chatbots, such as Perplexity, are expected to announce their departure from WhatsApp soon. As a result, Meta AI will become the sole option available on the platform starting from next January.