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WhatsApp will now block ChatGPT, Perplexity and other common AI chatbots. From January 15, 2026, only Meta AI will work on WhatsApp.
Meta-owned WhatsApp will no longer allow common AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia and Poke to run on its platform. This new rule will come into effect from January 15, 2026. This means that only Meta’s own AI assistant will work on WhatsApp.
Meta has made it clear that this change is only for general AI chatbots. Businesses like banks, travel agencies or e-commerce sites that are using AI in customer support will not suffer any loss. AI-based help will still work for them.
AI chatbots used to send a lot of messages, which put a heavy load on WhatsApp’s system. Now because these chatbots were not bringing in money from WhatsApp’s business model, it was proving to be expensive and less profitable for Meta on the network.
what will change in the future
After January 15, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer be a platform for general AI chatbots. Now only Meta AI Assistant will be available in the app. OpenAI and other companies will have to find new ways to reach WhatsApp’s 3 billion users.
This step has been taken to control and secure WhatsApp’s services, which will result in less junk messages on the platform.
Afreen Afaq started her career as a tech journalist with Network 18, and has over six years of experience in the ‘mobile-technology’ beat. She is an established and proven high performance professional…read more
Afreen Afaq started her career as a tech journalist with Network 18, and has over six years of experience in the ‘mobile-technology’ beat. She is an established and proven high performance professional… read more
