NEW YORK, Nov 27: OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot will no longer be available on WhatsApp following changes to the messaging app’s terms of service, which will prohibit the distribution of AI chatbots not developed by Meta.

OpenAI first announced its planned exit from WhatsApp a few weeks ago, with Microsoft confirming its departure this week. Both companies cited Meta’s new terms for the WhatsApp Business Solution, set to take effect on January 15, 2026, as the reason. The chatbots will remain accessible on WhatsApp until that date. ChatGPT users will be able to link their accounts to preserve chat history, while Copilot users will not have that option.

WhatsApp introduced the update to its terms in October, banning AI companies from using its business API as a distribution platform for chatbots. The restriction does not affect other business uses of WhatsApp, such as customer service or support bots, but specifically blocks AI companies from offering their chatbot as the primary product.

“The purpose of the WhatsApp Business API is to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates,” a Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch. “Our focus is on supporting the tens of thousands of businesses who are building these experiences on WhatsApp.”

The move is expected to affect other third-party AI chatbots, including Perplexity, which may also announce departures, leaving Meta AI as the only available option on the platform from next January.