Meta Under Investigation by EU Over WhatsApp AI Chatbot Limitations

The European Union has initiated an inquiry into Meta due to concerns regarding antitrust issues linked to restrictions on artificial intelligence within WhatsApp. The EU’s primary goal with this investigation is to safeguard competition within the AI sector and to avert any potential irreversible damage. This scrutiny arises following Meta’s decision to alter WhatsApp's terms of use for business, effectively barring companies from utilizing the app's API to circulate third-party AI chatbots.

According to an official statement from the European Commission, the new policy could potentially prevent rival AI service providers from using WhatsApp to connect with their clientele. Meanwhile, Meta’s proprietary AI platform, known as 'Meta AI', would remain fully available to users.

Policy Changes and Implications

The revised policy on WhatsApp became effective on October 15 for AI providers not currently present on the platform. For those existing providers, these changes will take effect starting January 15, 2026. Earlier this year, these modifications prompted responses from companies such as OpenAI and Microsoft, leading them to announce the withdrawal of their AI tools, ChatGPT and Copilot, from WhatsApp.

Antitrust Laws and the Impact on Competition

The investigation by the EU will explore if Meta's practices contravene European laws that guard against abuse of a dominant market position, which could potentially hinder smaller competitors attempting to challenge Meta’s offerings. There is no specified time frame for the conclusion of this investigation. Should Meta be found in violation of the EU's antitrust regulations, the company might face penalties reaching 10% of its yearly global earnings, translating to roughly $16.45 billion based on the company's 2024 profits.

A Flourishing AI Market in the European Context

In the words of Teresa Ribera, the European competition commissioner, AI markets are thriving both in Europe and around the globe. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that European individuals and enterprises fully benefit from these technological advances. It is crucial to act against leading digital entities that might misuse their influence to stifle burgeoning competitors.