Microsoft's Copilot, along with other general-purpose AI chatbots, will no longer be available on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026. This is due to a policy change in WhatsApp's Business API that prohibits the use of general-purpose AI assistants on the platform. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is implementing this ban to focus the Business API on customer support and specific business tasks, rather than broad AI functionalities.
The policy update impacts AI providers that utilise WhatsApp to deliver conversational services, including OpenAI, Perplexity, Luzia and Poke. While general-purpose AI chatbots are restricted, businesses can still use AI for customer service, travel bookings and order processing through WhatsApp's Business API. Meta AI will remain as the only general-purpose AI chatbot allowed on WhatsApp.
This shift means users who have been accessing AI assistants like Copilot through WhatsApp will need to find alternative methods to use these services. Meta says that the high volumes of messages and support required by general-purpose AI chatbots place a strain on WhatsApp’s systems.
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