Meta Under EU Fire Over WhatsApp AI Plans

Meta is facing renewed regulatory pressure in Europe as the European Commission launches a formal antitrust investigation into the company’s plans to integrate AI systems more deeply into WhatsApp. Regulators believe Meta’s updated policy could significantly disadvantage competing AI providers and limit fair market competition.

Under Meta’s revised rules, only the company’s own AI assistant will be permitted on WhatsApp. Beginning January 2026, third-party AI chatbots will no longer be allowed to operate on WhatsApp’s business messaging ecosystem. This effectively shuts out external developers who currently rely on the platform’s large user base to deliver conversational AI services.

European officials argue that this shift may constitute an abuse of Meta’s dominant position in the messaging market. WhatsApp’s massive reach, combined with Meta’s control over the platform, could give its in-house AI an unfair competitive edge—potentially stifling innovation and reducing consumer choice across the region.

As part of the probe, regulators will assess whether the company’s new restrictions intentionally or inadvertently block access for rival AI tools. They aim to determine if Meta is using its platform power to influence the emerging AI market in ways that breach EU competition law.

Meta, however, has defended its policy change. The company maintains that the WhatsApp Business API was never intended to function as an open platform for general-purpose chatbots. According to Meta, businesses and users can still access competing AI systems through other applications and channels outside WhatsApp.

The investigation marks yet another clash between Meta and EU regulators, highlighting ongoing tensions over how major technology companies deploy AI. The outcome could shape future rules governing AI integration, platform access, and digital competition across Europe.