WhatsApp is preparing to block all non-Meta AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, effective January 15, 2026. This major policy shift, confirmed by Meta, means users will lose access to popular AI tools not developed by Meta, marking a pivotal change for the platform. Both OpenAI and Microsoft have announced their plans to withdraw their chatbot services before the deadline, with OpenAI highlighting existing user options to retain conversation history. However, Microsoft users will not have a way to transfer their chat history. Moreover, the WhatsApp Business API will remain accessible but only for customer support and information services, prohibiting independent AI chatbots as primary products. The new restrictions could push other AI companies to exit, leaving Meta’s AI assistant as the sole option within WhatsApp. As January approaches, AI developers must reconsider their strategies and possibly seek alternative platforms for their innovations.
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