Since the new service provision to be implemented by the WhitsApp will prohibit the distribution of non-Meta-developed AI chat robots through the platform, both ChatGPT in OpenAI and Popilot in Microsoft will exit this instant communication application. This means that other third-party AI chat robots, including Perplexity, may soon announce their withdrawal and, starting next January, Meta AI will be the only AI chat robot available on the platform.
OpenAI announced the withdrawal a few weeks ago and Microsoft followed up this week. Both companies indicated that the withdrawal decision originated from a new provision made by Meta for the WhatsApp commercial solution, which would enter into force on 15 January 2026. Before the deadline, two chat robots could still be used in the WhatsApp. ChatGPT users can link the account to WhatsApp to keep chat records, but Copilot users cannot access this service.
WhatsApp announced an update in October, prohibiting AI from using its commercial API as a distribution platform for chat robots. Other businesses can still use whatsApp builder or support robots, and the new provision only prohibits the application of AI itself as a core product – This has effectively prevented Meta’s AI competitors from using their platforms to reach users. It was reported that an anonymous Meta spokesman had explained to TechCrunch, a foreign medium: “WhatsApp Commercial API aims to help businesses provide customer services and send important notices. Our focus is on the support of tens of thousands of companies that build such experiences on whatsapp.”
The Italian antimonopoly regulator has announced that interim restrictions may be imposed on Meta, while expanding its investigation into its alleged abuse of market dominance. The agency had previously accused Meta of integrating Meta AI ‘ s assistant into the WhatsApp without the consent of the user, which could harm competitors. On Wednesday this week, the Supervisory Authority will initiate interim measures, which may include a suspension of the implementation of the new provisions and limit further integration between Meta AI and WhatsApp during the investigation. Whatsapp responded: “We categorically deny these unfounded allegations,” and stressed that “whatsapp API commercial interfaces have never been designed for use in the AI chat robot, and that such operations will place a heavy burden on our system.” Regulators have warned that these initiatives may exclude competitors from the large group of users of the WhatsApp and distort the competitive pattern of the AI chat robotics market, given that the reluctance of users to change usage makes it more difficult to move to competitive services. WhatsApp argues: “This update does not affect tens of thousands of businesses that provide customer services, send important updates, or those that apply to their own AI assistant to communicate with clients.”
The survey is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to the EU, an enterprise that violates competition rules by abusing a dominant position of market power is liable to a fine of up to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover.
