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Brazil orders Meta to suspend policy banning third-party AI chatbots from WhatsApp

January 13, 2026

Ivan Mehta

TechCrunch

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**Understanding Brazil's Decision on WhatsApp and AI Chatbots** Recently, Brazil's competition authorities have made a significant move regarding WhatsApp's policies. They have ordered the popular messaging app to pause its restriction on third-party AI chatbots. This means that businesses can now use AI technology within WhatsApp without limitations. **What's the Background?** WhatsApp previously had a strict policy that stopped external AI companies from using its business API. This policy has raised questions about competition in the tech industry. Brazil’s competition watchdog sees this as a potential issue that could limit innovation and give WhatsApp too much control over messaging services. **What's at Stake?** With this decision, businesses can explore new ways to engage with customers through chatbots. For instance, companies can create advanced support systems that respond instantly to customer queries on WhatsApp. This could lead to faster service and happier customers. **Why is This Important?** This development matters for several reasons. Firstly, it opens the door for more competition. When more companies can develop chatbots, users may enjoy better quality and innovative features. Secondly

Brazil's competition watchdog has ordered WhatsApp to put on hold its policy that bars third-party AI companies from using its business API to offer chatbots on the app. The agency has also started an investigation against the company to determine if the policy is anti-competitive.

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