EU warns on WhatsApp AI
European regulators have flagged Meta over WhatsApp AI policies and threatened interim restrictions, citing competition concerns and potential limits on rival AI firms operating with the app. Reports note the EU pressure could lead to regulatory steps unless Meta adjusts how WhatsApp AI interacts with third parties ((bloomberg.com); Investing.com).
European Union regulators told Meta on April 15 that WhatsApp may have to roll back new artificial intelligence access rules while an antitrust case is still open. (ec.europa.eu; bloomberg.com) The European Commission said in a supplementary statement of objections that it plans to impose interim measures if needed to prevent “serious and irreparable harm” from Meta’s policy changes on WhatsApp. The case focuses on whether Meta used control of the messaging app to exclude third-party artificial intelligence assistants in the European Economic Area. (ec.europa.eu; news.bloomberglaw.com) The Commission opened the formal investigation on December 4, 2025, after Meta changed its rules for artificial intelligence providers’ access to WhatsApp. Regulators said the policy could stop outside firms from offering their services through WhatsApp, one of Europe’s biggest messaging platforms. (digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu; ec.europa.eu) At the center of the dispute is the WhatsApp Business platform, which companies use to send messages and run automated services inside chats. The Commission said Meta first excluded rival artificial intelligence assistants, then moved to restore access only with a fee that still appeared to shut out competitors. (apnews.com; channelnewsasia.com) Interim measures are rare in European Union antitrust enforcement because Brussels uses them only when it thinks waiting for a full decision could damage competition before the case ends. That puts this fight over WhatsApp inside a broader push by the bloc to police how large technology platforms treat rivals in fast-growing artificial intelligence markets. (ec.europa.eu; usnews.com) Meta said it disagrees with the Commission’s preliminary view and said charging for access is a standard way to cover the cost of operating the service. The company also said rivals can still reach users through other channels and that its approach does not block competition in artificial intelligence assistants. (usnews.com; news.bloomberglaw.com) The Commission has not issued a final antitrust ruling, and Meta can still respond before any temporary order takes effect. For now, Brussels is signaling that WhatsApp’s rules for artificial intelligence assistants may not be allowed to stay in place while that response is weighed. (ec.europa.eu; bloomberg.com)
