WhatsApp Faces EU Antitrust Probe Over AI Chatbot Restrictions

WhatsApp is facing fresh regulatory pressure in Europe, following an earlier antitrust probe in Brazil tied to restrictions on AI chatbots. As CNBC writes, European regulators now argue that similar policies introduced by Meta could harm competition across the EU.

EU raises concerns over WhatsApp AI access rules

In October, Meta announced updated WhatsApp Business Solution Terms that effectively banned third-party, general-purpose AI assistants from accessing WhatsApp. The new rules came into force in January and quickly drew scrutiny from the European Commission.

The Commission has informed Meta of its preliminary view that these changes may breach EU antitrust rules. Regulators say the policy could unfairly exclude competing AI assistants from WhatsApp, where Meta already holds a dominant market position.

Interim measures could force Meta to reverse changes

The Commission has told Meta it plans to consider interim measures designed to prevent potential damage to competition while the investigation continues. These measures would aim to preserve third-party AI assistants’ access to WhatsApp under the same conditions that existed before the policy update.

According to a Commission spokesperson, interim measures would require Meta to maintain access for third-party AI tools during the probe, ensuring competition does not suffer irreversible harm before a final decision is reached.

EU targets potential abuse of market power

EU Commissioner for Competition Teresa Ribera said the objective is to stop dominant tech firms from leveraging their market power to gain unfair advantages in adjacent markets, including AI services.

The investigation remains ongoing, and any enforcement action will depend on Meta’s response and its rights of defense under EU law.

Meta pushes back against EU intervention

Meta argues there is no justification for regulatory intervention, claiming the WhatsApp Business API should not be treated as a critical distribution channel for AI chatbots. The company says users already access AI assistants through app stores, operating systems, devices, websites, and commercial partnerships.

Meta also maintains that limiting third-party AI access within WhatsApp does not prevent competition in the broader AI market.

This case adds to a growing list of clashes between major tech firms and EU regulators. Recently, the EU brought charges against TikTok over concerns tied to addictive design features and their potential negative impact on mental health.

Separately, Meta has confirmed plans to expand paid subscription options across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, signaling broader changes to how its platforms operate amid rising regulatory pressure.

As the EU probe unfolds, Meta now faces the prospect of being forced to roll back its WhatsApp AI restrictions while regulators assess whether the policy undermines competition in Europe.