WhatsApp blocks ChatGPT in controversial new update
WhatsApp has blocked ChatGPT from the platform in a controversial new update.
This comes after a move by Meta to block the distribution of any AI chatbots on the messaging app that are not made by the tech giant.
This means that both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot will be leaving the messaging platform as the changes come into effect.
The new terms of service for WhatsApp Business Solution will come into effect on January 15, 2026, with the AI bots from other companies still being available on the app until that date.
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Regarding AI providers, WhatsApp addressed the update to the terms, writing on its website: “Providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative artificial intelligence platforms, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants, or similar technologies as determined by Meta in its sole discretion (“AI Providers”), are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, whether directly or indirectly, for the purposes of providing, delivering, offering, selling, or otherwise making available such technologies when such technologies are the primary (rather than incidental or ancillary) functionality being made available for use, as determined by Meta in its sole discretion.”
In a statement provided to TechCrunch, a spokesperson from WhatsApp explained: “The purpose of the WhatsApp Business API is to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates.
“Our focus is on supporting the tens of thousands of businesses who are building these experiences on WhatsApp.”
In other AI news, ChatGPT users were left divided as a brand-new ‘group chat’ feature was launched on the platform.
The AI bot has some new features which will now enable people to start group chats with the AI.
On the tech firm’s website, it explained: “Today, we’re beginning to pilot a new experience in a few regions that makes it easy for people to collaborate with each other - and with ChatGPT - in the same conversation. With group chats, you can bring friends, family, or coworkers into a shared space to plan, make decisions, or work through ideas together.
“Whether you’re organizing a group dinner or drafting an outline with coworkers, ChatGPT can help. Group chats are separate from your private conversations, and your personal ChatGPT memory is never shared with anyone in the chat.
“Group chats are starting to roll out on mobile and web for logged-in ChatGPT users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. This pilot is a small first step toward shared experiences in ChatGPT, and we expect to learn from early user feedback to inform how we expand to more regions and ChatGPT plans.”