EU Opens Investigation Into Meta’s AI Policy
Meta’s latest decision to limit AI chatbot access within WhatsApp has triggered a strong response from European regulators. The European Commission on Thursday announced an official antitrust investigation into Meta’s move, which restricts rival AI developers from using WhatsApp’s business tools. Regulators suspect the policy could unfairly stifle competition across the European Economic Area.
WhatsApp’s API Policy Sparks Concern
The controversy stems from a policy update WhatsApp introduced in October, prohibiting general-purpose chatbots from operating through its Business API. Starting January, the new terms will prevent companies such as OpenAI, Perplexity, and Poke from deploying their chatbots on WhatsApp, raising concerns about Meta’s intentions to dominate the AI interaction market.
Meta AI Becomes the Exclusive Option
Under the new rule, WhatsApp users will only have access to Meta’s proprietary chatbot, called “Meta AI.” While customer-service bots used by retailers or service providers won’t be affected, general AI companions like ChatGPT or Perplexity AI are barred. Critics argue that Meta is leveraging its vast platform to favor its own in-house AI service.
European Regulators Warn of Market Distortion
In its statement, the European Commission said it feared Meta’s new policy may “prevent third-party AI providers from offering their services through WhatsApp in the EEA.” Regulators believe such an approach could restrict consumer choice and harm innovation by cutting off AI developers from one of the world’s largest messaging platforms.
EU Officials Demand Fair Competition
Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, emphasized that AI markets are expanding and require open competition. She warned that dominant tech firms like Meta must not misuse their influence to limit fair access. The Commission reiterated its goal to ensure fair opportunities for emerging AI businesses in Europe’s digital economy.
Possible Violations and Penalties
If the ongoing probe determines that Meta violated EU antitrust laws, the company could face penalties reaching up to 10% of its global annual revenue. The Commission could also impose restrictions or conditions requiring Meta to reallow competing AI chatbots. The case joins a growing list of EU actions addressing Big Tech’s dominance in digital markets.
Meta Defends Its Move
WhatsApp and Meta have dismissed the Commission’s claims as “baseless.” A WhatsApp spokesperson said the Business API was never intended to host consumer chatbots, and accommodating such use causes “strain on our systems.” According to Meta, users remain free to access AI chatbots through other platforms like app stores, search engines, and third-party integrations.
Broader Context of EU Tech Oversight
This latest investigation falls under the EU’s broader campaign to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to prevent large tech platforms from abusing their market positions. Meta, along with companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, has faced heightened scrutiny for policies that allegedly sideline smaller competitors in emerging AI and data sectors.
Global Industry Reaction
Industry experts say the outcome of this inquiry could shape global norms for AI regulation and chatbot integration on messaging platforms. Developers argue that Meta’s closed approach could set a precedent for restricting interoperability, while others believe it may push companies to develop standalone AI ecosystems. The investigation’s findings are expected to define the future balance between innovation and regulation in AI communications.
