Meta is changing its rules for businesses using WhatsApp, and the change will directly affect artificial intelligence chat services. Starting from 15 January next year, companies that use large language models as their main product will no longer be allowed to operate on WhatsApp.
Meta has updated its Business API terms to say that providers of AI or machine learning systems cannot use the platform if their main purpose is to deliver AI technology. This includes companies running general chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Perplexity.
The new rule does not affect businesses that use AI in customer support, such as when a company uses automated replies for basic help questions. Meta’s decision is targeted at those using WhatsApp as the main frontend for AI chatbots that act like standalone assistants.
The new terms say Meta can decide what counts as AI technology and will have full control to remove any that go against the rule. This means that smaller or experimental chatbot projects that operate through WhatsApp could also be affected if Meta decides their purpose fits this definition.
What Does This Mean For ChatGPT Users On WhatsApp?
OpenAI confirmed this by announcing that its ChatGPT contact on WhatsApp will stop working after 15 January next year. Users who have been chatting with ChatGPT through WhatsApp will need to move their conversations elsewhere if they want to keep their chat history.
OpenAI’s Help page says WhatsApp does not support chat exports, so old messages will not transfer automatically. OpenAI has advised users to link their ChatGPT accounts before the cut-off date. Once linked, a user’s WhatsApp phone number will be connected to their ChatGPT account and all WhatsApp conversations will appear as part of their ChatGPT history.
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OpenAI said that linking the account gives users more access, such as the ability to send more messages and create images. To continue chatting, users can use ChatGPT’s apps on iOS, Android or desktop or visit ChatGPT’s site. OpenAI also provided a link for users to connect their accounts through the 1-800-ChatGPT contact profile on WhatsApp.
Those who do not link their accounts before January will lose all their WhatsApp-based ChatGPT messages. OpenAI told users to act soon because WhatsApp cannot export chats for AI services.
How Will This Affect AI Companies?
WhatsApp has around 3 billion active users worldwide. For AI developers, using it as a platform has been a simple way to reach people who might not have fast or affordable internet connections. In countries where WhatsApp data use does not count towards data limits, the chatbot contact system allowed users to access AI help for free or at low cost.
Perplexity, another AI company that offers a chatbot through WhatsApp, Telegram and X, has not yet confirmed whether it will stop using WhatsApp after the rule takes effect. For now, Meta’s rule means that any service using the app as its main point of interaction will have to find another method to reach users.
Meta’s own chatbot projects may also gain from this change, as the company has been developing its own AI assistants within WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger. With competitors removed from the platform, Meta’s AI may become the only chatbot available directly through WhatsApp.
AI-based customer support chatbots, such as those used for business enquiries or product questions, will still be allowed. Meta’s update focuses on stopping full AI assistants that replace WhatsApp as a chat platform rather than those that use AI tools to support real companies.
