META LETS AI AGENTS SET UP WHATSAPP BUSINESS ACCOUNTS

Meta has launched a new WhatsApp Business Tools server using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing AI agents such as Claude, ChatGPT and Codex to set up and manage WhatsApp Business messaging accounts on a user's behalf. Through the tool, business owners can describe in conversation what they want done, and the connected AI agent creates accounts, adds and verifies phone numbers, and creates or edits message templates. One report said the launch came on Tuesday, alongside news of Meta's new AI-focused subscription plans. Meta said the server is currently rolling out gradually and is, for now, only discoverable within Claude, Codex and ChatGPT.

Meta has acknowledged that setting up WhatsApp Business accounts was previously fragmented, requiring users to move between separate tools including the Meta Developer Console, Business Manager and the API reference documentation. Product Marketing Manager Zoë Lieberman said, "You describe what you want; your agent handles the accounts, numbers, templates, and API calls." Lieberman said that before any tool runs, the server confirms the user is an admin of the app, identifies the attached business, and verifies that the business's Terms of Service have been signed. WhatsApp Business is used by companies to communicate with customers directly through WhatsApp conversations. Meta described the current release as "built for development and testing workflows."

Meta said it is asking for feedback on the tool during this initial testing phase. The move allows AI agents beyond Meta's own Meta AI assistant to interact directly with its business messaging platform, rather than requiring manual use of Meta's dashboards. Meta has not said when the server might move beyond testing or when support might extend to other AI agents. No timeline for a wider rollout has been given.