EUWARNS Meta Over Restricting Competitor AI Access on WhatsApp (META-US)

The European Union has warned Meta Platforms (META-US) that its restriction of access for competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp may violate competition rules, prompting consideration of temporary measures to require platform openness. The European Commission issued an infringement notice, stating Meta’s actions could cause “serious and irreversible harm” by impeding entry or expansion in the fast-growing AI assistant market and may contravene EU antitrust norms. Under EU rules, competition authorities can order a company to temporarily cease涉嫌违规 conduct to prevent further market harm. The measures can be implemented pending investigation, with Meta able to challenge them in the Court of Justice of the European Union. If confirmed, penalties could reach up to 10% of the company’s global annual revenue. Commission Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera said regulators are acting swiftly as AI markets develop rapidly to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. The probe follows Meta’s October 2025 update to WhatsApp Business Solution terms, effectively barring general-purpose AI assistants, effective January 2026. Meta responded that the EU has no basis to interfere with the WhatsApp Business API, noting numerous AI options already exist via app stores, operating systems, websites, and industry partners. The Commission’s investigation is ongoing, and any temporary measures remain subject to further procedures.