EU antitrust authority signals possible actions to force opening WhatsApp to rival AI assistants.
The European Commission notified Meta Platforms that it may impose interim measures under European Union competition rules over Meta’s policy that restricts third-party AI assistants on its WhatsApp messaging service.
The Commission sent Meta a “Statement of Objections” outlining its preliminary view that Meta’s updated terms and conditions for WhatsApp Business may breach EU antitrust rules by denying access to competing AI assistants and allowing only its own “Meta AI” assistant on the platform. The policy took effect on January 15, following Meta’s October 2025 update.
Under EU competition law, interim measures are temporary actions that can be imposed before the final conclusion of a formal investigation if there is a risk of “serious and irreparable harm.” The Commission said it is considering measures to preserve competitors’ access to WhatsApp while the investigation continues.
The action applies to Meta’s WhatsApp Business API, which the Commission views as a key distribution channel for AI assistants and other services to reach users across Europe. Meta’s policy change limits access for third-party AI developers, which the Commission says could hinder competition in the emerging market for conversational AI services.
European Commissioner for competition affairs Teresa Ribera said the Commission “cannot allow dominant tech companies to illegally leverage their dominance to give themselves an unfair advantage” and that interim measures may be necessary to maintain effective competition.
Meta has rejected the allegations, with a spokesperson saying that the Commission “incorrectly assumes the WhatsApp Business API is a key distribution channel” and that users have many AI options through app stores, operating systems, devices, websites, and partnerships.
The Commission’s investigation under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union remains ongoing. Meta now has the opportunity to respond to the Statement of Objections and may request an oral hearing.
