Developers using the WhatsApp Media API agree to Meta's platform policies as a condition of API access. Those policies constrain how media can be processed, stored, and shared — with immediate revocation as the enforcement mechanism. Understanding these constraints is part of responsible API use.
Key Analysis
Meta\'s WhatsApp Business API Terms of Service prohibit: using the API for spam, circumventing Meta\'s systems, reverse engineering the API, or using data obtained through the API for advertising targeting.
Media uploaded to Meta\'s servers for delivery is retained for 30 days. After delivery, Meta\'s terms do not guarantee continued availability — download the media at delivery time if you need to retain it.
User data obtained through the API — including conversation content and media — may only be used for the purposes disclosed in your privacy policy. Using it for ML training without user consent likely violates the terms.
Risk Signals
Storing media_ids and expecting them to be available indefinitely (they expire after 30 days).
Using conversation content from the WhatsApp API for purposes not disclosed in the privacy policy.
No review of Meta platform policy updates — policies change and API access can be revoked without notice.
Action Items
Download and store any media you need to retain at the time of delivery — don't rely on media_id availability past 30 days.
Review Meta's platform policies quarterly and update your privacy policy and data practices accordingly.
Build API key rotation procedures: if Meta revokes access, you need to be able to obtain new credentials and restore service quickly.