What “Unapproved Automations” Means
Meta allows automations on WhatsApp only through official, approved Business APIs or certified partners (called BSPs – Business Solution Providers) such as Superchat.
This means any automation — bots, CRM triggers, campaign flows, or auto-replies — must run through an authorised Meta channel.
“Unapproved automations” include:
Custom-built or self-hosted bots without API approval from Meta
Browser or desktop automation (e.g., scripts using Selenium, Puppeteer, RPA tools)
Tools that send messages through unofficial APIs or emulators (they mimic WhatsApp behavior without using Meta’s infrastructure)
In short: If a tool doesn’t connect through the official WhatsApp Business API, it’s considered unapproved and violates Meta’s terms.
What “Unofficial Tools” Refers To
These are third-party platforms that simulate WhatsApp messaging but are not authorised by Meta.
Examples of unofficial tools (prohibited):
WA Web Sender / WhatsAuto / WATools / WAMassSender
→ use WhatsApp Web automation to send bulk messages.
Chat-API (non-Meta)
→ a well-known unofficial API that automates messaging using web scraping.
Zapier automations without an official WhatsApp connector
→ for example, connecting via webhooks or browser scripts instead of an API.
Custom CRM integrations
→ that trigger WhatsApp messages by automating the web interface.
These tools technically access WhatsApp but bypass Meta’s security and compliance layers, which is why Meta flags them as policy violations.
Which Tools Are Officially Allowed
Official and approved options:
WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business App
Certified BSPs (Business Solution Providers), such as Superchat (which uses the API)
These BSPs, such as Superchat, handle the messaging infrastructure on Meta’s behalf, ensuring that all communication remains compliant.
Why Meta Is Strict About This
Meta enforces these restrictions to:
Protect user experience (prevent spam and unsolicited mass messaging)
Ensure data privacy (unofficial tools often store customer data insecurely)
Maintain transparency (official APIs allow Meta to audit message activity and handle abuse quickly)
If Meta detects the use of unapproved automations or unofficial tools, it can:
Issue a warning.
Restrict your messaging capacity
Permanently disable the WhatsApp Business Account.
What You Should Do
To stay compliant:
Remove any browser-based or unofficial connectors that access WhatsApp Web directly.
Document all integrations to prove compliance in case Meta requests clarification.