OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot are both exiting WhatsApp due to upcoming changes in the platform's service terms, which will prohibit the distribution of AI chatbots not developed by Meta.
OpenAI announced its planned departure several weeks ago, and Microsoft followed suit this week. Both companies attribute their exit to Meta’s updated WhatsApp Business Solutions terms of service, set to take effect on January 15, 2026. Until that date, their chatbots will remain accessible on WhatsApp. ChatGPT users can link their accounts to WhatsApp to preserve their chat history, though Copilot users won’t have this option.
WhatsApp unveiled the policy update in October, explicitly banning AI firms from using its Business API as a distribution channel for third-party AI chatbots. Other businesses may still deploy WhatsApp-based customer service or support bots—the restriction applies only when the AI itself is offered as a standalone product. This move effectively prevents Meta’s AI rivals from leveraging WhatsApp to reach users.
“The WhatsApp Business API is designed to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates,” an anonymous Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch at the time. “Our focus is on supporting the thousands of businesses building these experiences on WhatsApp.”
As a result of this policy shift, other third-party AI assistants—such as Perplexity—are likely to announce their own departures from WhatsApp soon. Starting January 2026, Meta AI is expected to become the sole AI chatbot available on the platform.
