EU Commission Forces Meta to Open WhatsApp to Rival AI Chatbots

The EU has ordered Meta to provide free access to WhatsApp for rival AI chatbots amidst an ongoing antitrust investigation into potential market power abuse. Complaints from several AI companies triggered the investigation and interim measures. Meta disputes the ruling and plans to appeal.

EU antitrust regulators have directed Meta Platforms to allow rival AI chatbots free access to the WhatsApp Business API, as they investigate potential abuse of market power. This rare interim measure follows complaints from The Interaction Company, Agentik, and a Spanish competitor, prompting the EU to launch an investigation last December.

The European Commission issued charges against Meta earlier this year, alleging violations of EU antitrust regulations. According to EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera, these measures aim to maintain fair competition within the rapidly growing AI assistant market, ensuring companies can innovate and expand through WhatsApp access.

Meta has criticized the order, labeling it as regulatory overreach. They plan to appeal the decision, which mandates restoring competitors' access within five days. Failure to comply could result in fines up to 10% of Meta's global turnover.