ChatGPT returns to WhatsApp in Europe after EU forces Meta to open the door to rival AI bots

2026-07-14 · Source: The Decoder · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Regulation & Policy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

OpenAI has re-enabled ChatGPT on WhatsApp for users within the European Economic Area (EEA) as of July 13, 2026, following interim measures by the European Commission that compelled Meta to allow rival AI bots back onto its platform. Users can access the chatbot via the verified contact 1-800-CHATGPT (+1-800-242-8478) without requiring an OpenAI account. The service supports text prompts, image uploads, voice messages, and image generation, reportedly powered by GPT-5.5 and gpt-image-2 for visual requests, across multiple languages. This move reverses Meta's January 15, 2026, ban on third-party chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity, which had left only Meta's own AI assistant on WhatsApp. OpenAI is also expanding ChatGPT availability to Kakao in South Korea and Viber in other markets.

Key takeaway

For policymakers monitoring digital market competition, this case demonstrates the direct impact of regulatory intervention, specifically the European Commission's interim measures, in fostering platform openness. Your actions can compel dominant platforms like Meta to re-enable third-party services, expanding user choice and preventing monopolistic practices in AI distribution. Consider similar proactive measures to ensure fair access across other critical digital ecosystems.

Key insights

EU regulatory pressure compelled Meta to allow rival AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, back onto WhatsApp in the EEA.

Principles

• Regulatory intervention can mandate platform interoperability.
• Market dominance can be challenged by antitrust measures.
• AI service providers seek multi-platform distribution.

In practice

• Access ChatGPT via 1-800-CHATGPT on WhatsApp.
• Generate images using gpt-image-2 through WhatsApp.
• Link accounts for synced chat history and context.

Topics

• ChatGPT
• WhatsApp
• EU Regulation
• Meta
• AI Chatbots
• Platform Interoperability

Best for: CTO, Executive, Product Manager, AI Product Manager, Tech Journalist, Policy Maker

Related on AIssential

• ChatGPT hits 1 billion users as global AI adoption surges despite backlash — Despite AI development concerns, global adoption is rapidly accelerating, with ChatGPT leading a competitive market.
• EU Warns Meta not to Block Rival AI Bots From WhatsApp — Dominant platforms face antitrust scrutiny for restricting third-party AI access, especially in emerging markets.
• OpenAI wants UK regulators to treat ChatGPT as a Google Search alternative — OpenAI seeks regulatory recognition for AI chatbots as direct competitors to traditional search engines.
• "Chat is dead": OpenAI preps overhaul of ChatGPT — OpenAI is transforming ChatGPT into an AI agent "superapp" to drive revenue and compete in the business AI market.
• ChatGPT Ads Are Here: What Changes, What Doesn't, and Why It Matters — ChatGPT's introduction of ads aims to diversify revenue and sustain its free tier, separating monetization from answer generation.
• ChatGPT Live Mode: How to use AI as a live companion — ChatGPT Live Mode offers real-time screen interaction and voice response, improving context management and automation.

See Counsel's argued verdicts on the open AI decisions leaders are weighing →

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Decoder.