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The European Union has warned Meta that it must stop blocking rival artificial intelligence chatbots from accessing WhatsApp. The move follows concerns that the U.S. tech company may have breached EU antitrust rules.
The European Commission said it has sent Meta a formal chargesheet. Regulators believe the company may have abused its market power by preventing third-party AI assistants from interacting with users on WhatsApp.
Focus of the Investigation
The investigation centers on a new Meta policy. The rule prevents AI providers from using the WhatsApp Business Solution if artificial intelligence is their main service.
The Commission opened the probe late last year. It followed a similar investigation by Italy’s antitrust authority. Italian regulators ordered Meta to stop the practice in December, but the decision applied only within Italy.
EU Considers Interim Measures
Competition chief Teresa Ribera said the case is not political. She stressed that the decision focuses on protecting competition and consumers.
She said it is important to safeguard innovation in artificial intelligence, a fast-growing sector. The Commission is now considering interim measures. These steps would allow competitors continued access to WhatsApp while the investigation continues.
EU officials warned that Meta’s policy could cause serious and irreparable harm to competition if left in place.
Meta Pushes Back
Meta criticized the Commission’s position. A company spokesperson said there is no reason for EU intervention. Meta also argued that WhatsApp is not a key distribution channel for AI chatbots and that users already have multiple AI options.
Rivals Welcome the Decision
Rival chatbot providers welcomed the EU’s action. One industry executive said the move could help protect innovation and ensure fair competition. He added that consumers benefit when markets offer real choice rather than dominance by a single company.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Commission will review Meta’s response before making a final decision.
