Meta Blocks Third-Party AI Chatbots on WhatsApp in 2026

Meta confirmed a new policy effective Jan 15, 2026 that blocks third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp. Only verified WhatsApp Business API partners can use AI for customer support, while open-ended assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity will be blocked. Businesses using unofficial bots should migrate to compliant solutions to avoid restrictions.