EU Opens Antitrust Probe Into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Access Policy

Overview

• The Commission is examining whether a new WhatsApp policy would block third‑party AI providers and entrench Meta’s own Meta AI assistant.
• The rules are set to become fully applicable on January 15, 2026, and regulators are considering provisional steps to preserve competition before then.
• WhatsApp says the claims are unfounded, citing heavy strain from external chatbots on systems not built for that use and pointing to other distribution channels for AI services.
• Italy’s antitrust authority has expanded a parallel investigation and is weighing interim measures over alleged blocking of rival chatbots.
• Brussels opened the case after complaints from smaller tech firms and aims to conclude by late 2026, with potential fines up to 10% of global revenue if abuses are proven.