EU competition regulators have raised concerns that Meta’s artificial intelligence pricing structure and access rules for WhatsApp may violate European Union antitrust laws.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, said the policy could restrict competition by limiting access for third-party AI assistants on the messaging platform.
Concerns Over Competition Rules
According to the Commission, EU antitrust regulations are designed to prevent dominant technology companies from unfairly controlling markets, setting restrictive pricing models, or limiting access for competitors.
Officials stated that Meta’s revised approach to AI integration on WhatsApp appears, at first glance, to exclude rival AI tools under new access conditions.
Proposed Regulatory Action
The Commission has indicated it may issue interim measures requiring Meta to restore access for third-party AI assistants under previous conditions, in place before mid-October 2025.
These measures are intended to prevent what regulators describe as potential “serious and irreparable harm” to competition while a full investigation continues.
Ongoing Investigation Expanded
The EU investigation is also being supported by national regulators, including authorities in Italy, where a separate probe into Meta’s practices was previously launched.
Officials say the interim measures would remain active until the conclusion of the broader competition review.
Meta’s Response
In response, Meta has defended its position, arguing that the proposed regulatory action could unfairly shift costs onto its business services.
The company claims that requiring free access for rival AI systems could impact businesses that currently pay for WhatsApp Business tools, suggesting that smaller European companies could ultimately bear the cost.
Wider Tech Regulation Debate
The case highlights ongoing tensions between major tech platforms and regulators in Europe, as authorities continue to examine how AI services are integrated into dominant messaging and social media ecosystems.
The outcome of the investigation could have wider implications for how artificial intelligence tools are offered across major digital platforms.
