The European Union has threatened to take provisional measures against Meta if it does not allow rival AI services access to WhatsApp, which has blocked such services since January 15.
The European Union (EU) has taken a firm stance against Meta, threatening to implement 'provisional measures' if the company fails to provide access to rival artificial intelligence (AI) services on its messaging platform, WhatsApp. This move comes after WhatsApp's restriction on AI tools like ChatGPT, Zapia, Luzia, and Transcribeme, which has been in place since January 15. The EU argues that such practices violate competition laws and that Meta is abusing its dominant position in the market by restricting access to competing technologies while promoting its own AI, Meta AI.
The European Commission initiated an investigation into Meta in late 2025 over potential breaches of competition regulations. The investigation found that by limiting access to WhatsApp, Meta not only hinders innovations from competing AI services but also poses a risk of significant and irreparable harm. The European Commission stressed the importance of fostering a competitive environment in the technology sector, emphasizing that innovations from AI are crucial for consumers and the burgeoning market for digital assistants.
This conflict highlights the EU's commitment to regulating major technology companies and ensuring fair competition. By threatening to take action against Meta, the EU sends a clear message about the need for openness in technology platforms and the importance of allowing diverse AI technologies to thrive, which could potentially lead to enhanced consumer choice and innovation in the digital marketplace.
