EUWARNS Meta Over Blocking Rival AI Assistants on WhatsApp, Threatens Antitrust Action (META)

The European Commission has issued a statement of objections to Meta Platforms Inc. (META), warning the company it may face temporary restrictions or fines if it does not allow access to rival AI assistants on WhatsApp, citing concerns over competition in the AI assistant market. The Commission said Meta’s current policies risk blocking competitors from entering or expanding in the fast-growing sector. Under EU competition rules, interim measures can be ordered to prevent “serious and irreparable harm on the market,” with fines potentially reaching up to 10% of global annual revenue. Meta has the right to reply and defend itself before enforcement. A Meta spokesperson maintained that the WhatsApp Business API is not a key distribution channel for chatbots, noting many AI options are available through app stores and partnerships. This development follows the EU’s designation of WhatsApp information feeds as a “Very Large Online Platform” under the Digital Services Act.