Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Meta has confirmed it will begin charging developers to run third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp in regions where regulators have required the company to allow them. The change follows Meta’s January 15 ban on third-party AI bots via the WhatsApp Business API and applies initially to Italy, where competition authorities intervened last year. Meta said pricing for non-template AI responses will take effect on February 16, with developers charged per message, potentially creating significant costs for high-volume chatbot usage.
The move builds on WhatsApp’s existing paid API model for business messaging, such as transactional and marketing notifications. Meta has indicated the policy could extend to other markets if similar regulatory requirements emerge, as antitrust scrutiny continues in the EU and Brazil. Several AI providers, including OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft, have already withdrawn WhatsApp chatbot support following the policy shift.
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