WhatsApp to Ban AI Chatbots from Business API by 2026

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

Starting January 15, 2026, WhatsApp will block general-purpose AI chatbots from using its Business API;
Meta’s new policy targets tools built on large language models or generative AI if chatbot features are their main function;
The change will not affect businesses using AI in limited ways for customer support, like answering queries or sending updates.

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WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is introducing changes to its Business API that will prevent developers from using it to run general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.

This new policy will come into effect on January 15, 2026.

The updated rules include a new section aimed at developers who build AI-based tools, such as those using large language models or generative AI.

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WhatsApp will no longer allow these tools to be offered through its platform if their main feature is acting as a chatbot. Meta said the decision about what qualifies as such a tool will be made at its own discretion.

This decision will likely impact several AI-based companies that have built chat assistants for WhatsApp, including OpenAI, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke. These tools typically provide general-use chatbot services to users through the app.

Meta has clarified that this change will not affect businesses that use AI in a limited way to help their customers.

According to Meta, the API was created to help businesses connect with customers for support and updates, not to serve as a platform for distributing AI bots.

However, the company recently noticed some developers using it in ways it had not planned for, which led to higher message volumes and increased pressure on its systems.

On October 16, Pinterest introduced a new feature that lets users reduce the number of AI created images they see while using the platform. How does the feature work? Read the full story.