Zapia stops operating on WhatsApp but keeps standing for innovation and user choice

WhatsApp closed the door to external AI. Brazil and Italy pushed it back open. This is our story.

On January 15, Zapia stopped operating inside WhatsApp following the enforcement of a new Meta policy that restricts how external artificial intelligence assistants can function within the platform.

So what does this actually mean?

Imagine buying a phone, only to have the manufacturer decide which apps you’re allowed to install. Or paying for internet access, but your provider choosing which websites you can visit.
That’s essentially what’s happening here.

This policy directly impacts millions of users who relied on Zapia as a personal AI assistant for everyday tasks like automatic audio transcription, message scheduling, calendar management, reminders, and delegating daily to-dos. For Zapia, this isn’t just a technical change — it’s part of a much bigger conversation about innovation, competition, and user choice.

“Technology exists to make people’s lives easier. When a platform decides which tools users can or cannot use, what’s really at stake is the evolution of artificial intelligence itself,” says Juan Pablo Pereira, CEO of Zapia.

While Zapia no longer operates inside WhatsApp, the product is very much alive and growing through the Zapia app, a 100% free app where the core product is now being built and where users can access more than 20 AI-powered features, including autonomous agents capable of executing real tasks on their behalf.

Brazil and Italy: when regulation protects innovation

Not every country accepted Meta’s decision without questioning it. In Brazil, Zapia continues to operate normally on WhatsApp after CADE, the country’s antitrust authority, opened an investigation into Meta’s new policy and decided to suspend its effects while the case is under review. A similar situation occurred in Italy, where regulators also suspended the measure pending further investigation.

These precedents reinforce Zapia’s belief that innovation should not be blocked, and that AI assistants should work for people, not for platforms.

Zapia is still here, stronger than ever

We remain active, evolving, and committed to giving you back time for what truly matters. The difference is where we do it: now from a place built specifically for you, our free app.

Why this matters (beyond Zapia)

This case isn’t just about a startup and a messaging platform.

It’s about who gets to decide which technology you can use.
It’s about whether digital ecosystems should be closed gardens or open platforms where innovation can thrive.
It’s about whether your AI assistant works for you, or for the company that controls the communication channel.

“AI assistants should work for people, not platforms. Real innovation expands choice — it never limits it,” Pereira concludes.
And that’s exactly the fight we’re continuing to take on.

The future we’re building

While we collaborate with regulators across different countries and advocate for a more open technology ecosystem, our main focus remains exactly where it’s always been: you.

And even though our path on WhatsApp has changed, our mission hasn’t, to give people back time and agency through autonomous AI agents that truly get things done.

Zapia keeps evolving. Download the app, and discover everything your AI assistant can do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use Zapia after Meta’s policy change?
Yes, absolutely. While Zapia no longer responds inside WhatsApp in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, the service remains fully available through our free app. You can download it on Android, iOS, or use it on the web. All your favorite features are there: audio transcription, reminders, message scheduling, calendar management, and more than 20 AI-powered tools.

What happened to my previous WhatsApp data and conversations?
Your data is completely safe. Zapia never stores your WhatsApp conversations. To continue using the same features, simply download the Zapia app and get started.

Is the Zapia app free?
Yes. The Zapia app is 100% free and includes access to all core features, including autonomous AI agents that can execute real tasks for you, such as scheduling WhatsApp messages, transcribing audio, managing your calendar, finding services, and much more.

Why does Zapia still work on WhatsApp in Brazil but not in other countries?
In Brazil, CADE opened an investigation into Meta’s policy and decided to suspend its effects while the legal process is ongoing. A similar situation occurred in Italy.

How do I start using the Zapia app?
It’s simple:
- Download the app from Google Play (Android), the App Store (iOS), or access it on the web at app.zapia.com
- Create your account in seconds
- Start asking Zapia for whatever you need, from transcribing audio to setting reminders or finding services