Meta has announced a significant change to its WhatsApp Business API terms, effectively banning third-party, general-purpose AI chatbots from the platform. The new policy, which takes effect on January 15, 2026, will prohibit technologies like ChatGPT and other AI assistants from using the WhatsApp Business Solution as their primary function. This move will make Meta's own AI the only major chatbot available on the popular messaging app. While businesses can still use their own specialized chatbots for specific customer service interactions, the ban targets broad, general-purpose AI assistants that have been integrated with WhatsApp. The decision impacts numerous services that launched over the past year, positioning Meta to consolidate control over the AI experience within its ecosystem.