WhatsApp Changes its Terms to Bar General-Purpose Chatbots from its Platform

WhatsApp bans general-purpose chatbots from its platform under new 2026 API rules targeting AI assistants.
Matilda
WhatsApp Changes its Terms to Bar General-Purpose Chatbots from its Platform
WhatsApp Bans General-Purpose Chatbots Starting 2026 Starting January 15, 2026, WhatsApp is officially closing its doors to general-purpose AI chatbots. The Meta-owned messaging giant has updated its Business API terms to prohibit artificial intelligence providers—including major players like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Perplexity—from deploying broad-spectrum AI assistants on the platform. If you’ve been using an AI-powered bot through WhatsApp for everything from travel planning to coding help, that convenience may soon vanish. Credit: Google The policy shift arrives amid growing scrutiny over how tech platforms control access to their ecosystems—and who gets to build on top of them. Why WhatsApp Is Blocking General-Purpose Chatbots At first glance, the move might seem counterintuitive. After all, AI chatbots are booming, and integrating them into messaging apps feels like a natural evolution. But WhatsApp’s new stance draws a clear line: only specific-use bots tied to verified businesses wil…