Microsoft to Disable Copilot on WhatsApp from Jan 15 Following New AI Chatbot Regulations

Microsoft Copilot will no longer be available on WhatsApp from January 15, following Meta’s updated policies restricting general-purpose AI chatbots. Users will need to move to Copilot mobile apps or web to continue using the AI assistant.

Microsoft Copilot to Exit WhatsApp

Microsoft has announced that its Copilot AI assistant will stop working on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026, due to new policies introduced by Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company. After this date, the AI assistant will only be accessible via Microsoft’s standalone mobile applications or through the official web version of Copilot.

The move aligns with WhatsApp’s efforts to limit general-purpose AI chatbots and ensure that its platform remains focused on business tools for customer service and commerce workflows.

Why WhatsApp is Restricting AI Chatbots

In November, Meta updated its platform policies, stating that the WhatsApp Business API will no longer support large-scale AI chatbots. This change affects AI systems like:

• Microsoft Copilot

• OpenAI ChatGPT

• Perplexity AI

Meta’s rationale is to preserve infrastructure for businesses relying on WhatsApp for real-time customer interactions and automated services, ensuring the platform isn’t overloaded with general-purpose AI applications.

Only AI bots that perform specific customer service functions will now be permitted, effectively blocking entertainment- or conversation-focused AI assistants from operating directly within WhatsApp.

Impact on Microsoft Copilot Users

The biggest change for users is that Copilot chat history on WhatsApp will not carry over to Microsoft’s other platforms. Since WhatsApp Copilot sessions were unauthenticated and not linked to Microsoft accounts, all chat data will be permanently deleted after January 15.

Microsoft has advised users to manually export their Copilot conversations using WhatsApp’s built-in tools before the shutdown. After the deadline, Copilot will no longer respond in the app.

How to Continue Using Copilot

Users wishing to continue using Copilot can switch to:

• Copilot mobile app (available on Android and iOS)

• Copilot web version

These platforms provide enhanced features, including:

• Document summarisation

• Creative writing tools

• Coding assistance

• Image generation

This ensures users can maintain productivity and access advanced AI functionalities without interruption.

Broader Implications for AI Chatbot Ecosystem

The change reflects the evolving AI ecosystem, as platforms like WhatsApp define clear boundaries between:

• Business-focused automation

• Entertainment or general-purpose AI

For Microsoft, this adjustment may encourage users to migrate to its dedicated Copilot ecosystem, which integrates seamlessly with Windows, Office, and Edge, enhancing overall AI experience.

Timeline and User Action

• January 15, 2026: Copilot officially exits WhatsApp

• Before Jan 15: Users must export chat history

• Post Jan 15: Access Copilot via mobile app or web

The change gives users a few weeks to back up conversations and transition to Microsoft’s supported platforms.

Conclusion

The exit of Microsoft Copilot from WhatsApp marks a significant step in Meta’s stricter AI policies, aimed at optimizing business use of its platform. Users must act quickly to save conversations and continue their AI interactions through Microsoft’s dedicated apps. The shift also highlights the growing segmentation of AI tools, distinguishing general chat assistants from business-focused bots, shaping the future of AI integration across major platforms.