Italy has mandated that Meta cease its ban on competing AI chatbots utilizing WhatsApp’s business tools, a decision prompted by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM). The AGCM’s investigation revealed potential abuse of Meta’s dominant market position, particularly concerning its own AI chatbot.
The authority expressed concern that Meta’s actions may stifle innovation and limit market access for third-party AI chatbot services, ultimately harming consumers. The AGCM stated, “Meta’s conduct appears to constitute an abuse, since it may limit production, market access, or technical developments in the AI Chatbot services market, to the detriment of consumers.”
In November, the AGCM expanded its ongoing investigation after Meta amended its business API policy in October, which prohibits general-purpose chatbots from being used on the platform. This policy change is set to impact AI chatbot availability from various providers, including OpenAI and Perplexity, starting in January.
While Meta maintains that its API is not designed for distributing chatbots and emphasizes alternative platforms available for AI bots, the AGCM’s ruling highlights concerns about competition in the chat service arena. Notably, businesses leveraging AI to enhance customer service on WhatsApp will not be affected by this ban.
Additionally, the European Commission has initiated its own investigation into Meta’s new policy, citing potential barriers for third-party AI providers seeking to offer services within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Meta has yet to provide a statement regarding the AGCM’s decision.
