The European Union has directed Meta to allow artificial intelligence chatbots operated by rival companies to access WhatsApp without charge, amid an ongoing antitrust investigation into the tech giant’s business practices.
The European Commission said Meta must maintain access for third-party AI providers while regulators examine allegations that the company restricted competitors by blocking them from its WhatsApp Business API, except for Meta’s own AI assistant.
Officials said the interim measure was necessary to prevent what they described as potential “serious and irreparable harm to competition” in the fast-growing AI market, adding that Meta’s actions may violate EU competition rules.
The Commission launched its investigation in December 2025 after Meta barred general-purpose third-party AI assistants from using WhatsApp’s business tools, a move it said could amount to abuse of a dominant market position in Europe.
As part of the decision, Meta has been given five working days to restore access for rival AI providers under the same conditions that existed before the restriction. The interim measures will remain in place while the investigation continues.
EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said rapid changes in the AI sector meant competition could be harmed before a final ruling is reached.
She said the move was intended to preserve consumer choice and ensure users in Europe can decide which AI assistants they want to use on WhatsApp.
The Commission warned that failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of Meta’s global annual turnover.
Meta, however, strongly rejected the decision, accusing the EU of regulatory overreach and arguing that it effectively allows major AI companies to use WhatsApp’s paid business services for free.
The company said it would appeal the ruling, claiming it unfairly benefits large technology firms at the expense of European businesses that pay for access.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions between European regulators and major US tech companies. Meta has previously warned that strict EU rules could lead to a poorer user experience in Europe.
The company has also faced multiple fines from the European Union, which maintains that its regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in digital markets.
The issue has also gained political attention, with the Trump administration previously accusing the EU of unfairly targeting American technology firms.
#From BBC