By the proof. team ·
Yes, your business can have an AI assistant on WhatsApp. It has to talk about your business, you pay Meta per message, and you need your customers' consent before you message them first.
What does Meta allow?
Since January 15, 2026, Meta doesn't allow general-purpose AI assistants on the WhatsApp Business platform. What it still allows is the useful case: an assistant that handles support and sales for your own business. In practice, the assistant answers about your services, prices, policies and appointments, and it isn't set up to chat about anything else.
What does it cost to run?
Since July 1, 2025, Meta charges per message, not per conversation. Since October 1, 2026, each WhatsApp number gets 1,000 free service messages a month and pays per message after that. Rates change with the type of message and the country, and Meta updates them, so check Meta's pricing page for today's numbers.
The AI model that writes the answers is billed separately, by its provider. Ask that both accounts be opened in your name, with spending alerts, so you see the real cost and nobody adds a margin.
What does US law ask of you?
You need your customers' consent to message them. The federal rule, the TCPA, requires prior consent for automated texts and calls, and written consent for marketing. An assistant that only answers people who write to you first is the simpler case. Sending campaigns to a list is a different project with stricter rules.
Two more habits keep you out of trouble. The assistant should say it's an AI assistant. And it should hand the conversation to a person when someone asks for one or when it isn't sure.
What about health or payment information?
If you run a clinic, a dental office or a med spa, be careful. Health information covered by HIPAA and payment card numbers need their own setup and their own written agreement. A standard assistant should be set up not to ask for them. Use it for scheduling and general questions, and move anything clinical to a person.
How long does approval take?
Before you can use the WhatsApp Business platform, Meta verifies your business. It usually takes 2 to 10 business days, and nobody but Meta controls it. Start it on day one.
How we build ours
The proof. AI Assistant answers on your website and WhatsApp, books appointments and keeps your CRM up to date. It goes live in 15 days for $3,999, after you watch it pass a test with real questions from your business.