Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot will no longer be available on WhatsApp from 15 January 2026, following a significant policy revision introduced by the Meta-owned messaging platform. The decision marks the end of a collaboration that allowed WhatsApp users to interact with Copilot directly from their chat window.
WhatsApp policy change to remove all LLM chatbots
WhatsApp recently updated its platform policy to prohibit the use of large language model (LLM) chatbots on the service. The new rules, which take effect in January next year, will result in the removal of all AI bots similar to Copilot that rely on advanced language models for conversational tasks.
This move is expected to impact several AI companies that had built dedicated WhatsApp integrations to expand their reach and offer convenience to users who preferred interacting with chatbots the same way they would message a person.
In a blog post dated 24 November, Microsoft explained that due to the updated policy, Copilot cannot continue functioning on WhatsApp. The company confirmed that the integration cannot be migrated automatically to other platforms, though users can export their chat history before the discontinuation date.
Copilot’s rise and role on WhatsApp
Microsoft launched Copilot in 2024 as an AI companion designed to enhance productivity, answer queries, assist with writing, and support a wide range of tasks. Its availability on WhatsApp, one of India’s and the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, played a major role in making Copilot easily accessible in daily life.
According to Microsoft, Copilot’s presence on WhatsApp helped “millions of people connect with their AI companion in a familiar, everyday setting.” The WhatsApp integration offered users a frictionless way to use AI without needing to install an additional app or visit a website.
Several AI companies adopted a similar strategy, providing chatbot access through messaging apps to encourage deeper user engagement. Chatbots operating via WhatsApp have been particularly popular in regions where mobile messaging dominates digital behaviour.
Alternative ways to access Copilot
Microsoft has encouraged WhatsApp users to switch to other platforms where Copilot continues to be available. Users can access the AI assistant through:
- Copilot mobile app
- Copilot web platform
- Copilot integration on Windows
- Microsoft 365 applications
The company stated it is working to ensure a seamless experience for users who currently rely on WhatsApp for their AI interactions. However, Microsoft confirmed that it cannot directly transfer conversation history from WhatsApp to other platforms, due to WhatsApp’s data handling restrictions.
Users wishing to save their chats have been advised to manually export conversations before 15 January 2026.
Industry implications of WhatsApp’s new policy
WhatsApp’s decision to ban all LLM chatbots marks a noteworthy shift in the platform’s approach to AI. Over the past two years, messaging platforms globally have experimented with AI-driven conversational tools, integrating them into everyday communication.
The new policy suggests that WhatsApp may be aiming to centralise AI capabilities within its own ecosystem, possibly through Meta’s in-house models. Meta recently launched its Llama-powered AI assistant across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, indicating a preference for native AI experiences over third-party integrations.
Industry experts believe the new restrictions could force external developers to adjust their strategies, moving towards standalone apps and web-based interfaces rather than relying heavily on messaging integrations.
Users react to transition
While Microsoft has assured continued support for Copilot across devices, many users expressed disappointment on social media platforms, noting that WhatsApp provided one of the easiest and fastest ways to interact with the AI assistant.
For everyday users, especially in India where WhatsApp is used across personal, commercial, and educational contexts, removing AI chatbot integrations may reduce convenience. Others argue that the change could improve platform safety and privacy, as third-party bots often operate with different data policies compared to WhatsApp’s native features.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Microsoft Copilot on WhatsApp marks the end of an important phase in AI accessibility. While users will still have multiple ways to access Copilot, WhatsApp’s new policy signals a broader change in how messaging platforms plan to manage third-party AI tools in the future. With AI adoption growing rapidly, the coming year will reveal how companies and platforms adapt to shifting regulatory and technological landscapes.