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Brazil Antitrust Regulator Halts WhatsApp’s New AI Terms Pending Probe

Cade’s technical unit opened a formal inquiry following startup complaints of exclusionary rules.

Overview

  • The preventive measure suspends the new WhatsApp AI terms and threatens a R$250,000 daily fine for noncompliance.
  • The rules were announced in October 2025, applied to new developers, and were set to reach existing providers on January 15, 2026.
  • The inquiry examines whether the terms could foreclose rivals and unduly favor Meta’s own Meta AI, potentially leaving it as the sole option for users.
  • Cade will notify Meta and collect market evidence before deciding on a full administrative proceeding or closing the case.
  • Meta argues the changes pose no serious or irreparable competitive harm and labels the startups’ allegations generic, with Italy previously issuing a similar preventive suspension.