Meta’s recent policy alteration, which permits only its proprietary AI chatbot, Meta AI, on WhatsApp, has triggered an antitrust investigation by the European Commission. Announced on Thursday, the inquiry focuses on the potential anti-competitive nature of Meta’s decision to restrict other AI companies from utilizing WhatsApp’s business API to deploy their own chatbots on the platform.
Beginning in January, WhatsApp will implement a revised business API policy that prohibits the integration of general-purpose chatbots, which includes offerings from companies such as OpenAI and Poke. This shift aims to position WhatsApp as a more controlled environment for customer interactions, although it will not prevent businesses from using AI to enhance customer service tools within the app.
The European Commission expressed concerns that this new directive could inhibit third-party AI providers from delivering their services within the European Economic Area (EEA). The Commission emphasized that while Meta AI will remain accessible to all users, rival AI solutions might face barriers to market entry via WhatsApp.
Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, highlighted the necessity to ensure equitable access to emerging AI technologies for European consumers and enterprises. “We are examining whether Meta’s updated policy violates competition laws and whether urgent action is needed to safeguard competition within the AI sector,” she stated.
If found in violation of EU antitrust legislation, Meta could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue, alongside potential additional restrictions. In response, WhatsApp dismissed the EU’s allegations as unfounded, asserting that users have various access points to alternative AI chatbots. A spokesperson stated, “The emergence of AI chatbots on our Business API strains systems not designed for this purpose. The AI market remains competitive, with users capable of engaging with these services through multiple channels, including app stores and search engines.”
