EU probes Meta for blocking competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp after policy shift - AI News Today Recency

The European Commission has launched an antitrust probe into Meta’s recent WhatsApp policy change that blocks third-party AI chatbot integrations, potentially stifling competition. Technical experts highlight that Meta’s update restricts APIs used by rival bots, effectively cutting off access to WhatsApp’s 2 billion users, which could undermine interoperability standards. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager warned this move “risks limiting consumer choice and innovation in AI-driven communication platforms.”

# BREAKING: EU Antitrust Probe Into Meta's WhatsApp AI Restrictions The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Meta's decision to block third-party AI chatbots from operating on WhatsApp, following complaints from competing AI developers who argue the policy violates EU digital competition rules. Consumer advocacy groups across Europe have voiced concerns, with privacy organization NOYB reporting over 2,000 user complaints within 48 hours of the policy change, citing reduced choice and potential privacy risks. Meta maintains the restriction is necessary for security, but the move has intensified scrutiny as the company faces separate EU probes over its AI training practices and data usage.

The EU has launched a formal investigation into Meta for allegedly blocking competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp following its recent policy update restricting third-party AI integrations. Technical analysis reveals Meta’s new API restrictions limit automated message rates to just 1,000 per day per chatbot, effectively stifling rivals that rely on higher volumes for real-time interaction. Experts warn this could distort AI innovation by consolidating Meta’s control over chatbot ecosystem access on its 2 billion-user platform.

The European Commission's antitrust investigation into Meta's ban on competitor AI chatbots in WhatsApp has sparked significant consumer backlash, with over 15,000 users signing a petition demanding fair access to AI services. Public sentiment on social media highlights frustration, with one user stating, "Restricting alternatives stifles innovation and limits our choices." Consumer advocacy groups warn this move threatens competition and harms user freedom in the rapidly evolving AI chatbot market[1].

**EU Launches Formal Antitrust Investigation into Meta's WhatsApp AI Policy** The European Commission initiated a formal antitrust probe against Meta on December 4, 2025, targeting a policy announced in October that bars rival AI providers from accessing a tool in WhatsApp's business version, effectively restricting competitors' ability to reach users through the platform[1][2]. The investigation centers on Meta's restriction that prevents competing AI chatbot developers from utilizing WhatsApp's business tools, a move that the EU views as potentially anticompetitive and exclusionary in the rapidly expanding AI services market[1][2].

The European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta on December 4, 2025, following Meta's policy shift that blocks competitor AI chatbots from operating on WhatsApp[1]. This move is seen as a significant change in the competitive landscape, potentially limiting rival AI services' access to WhatsApp’s over 2 billion users worldwide. The Commission is scrutinizing whether this ban distorts competition and harms consumer choice in the AI chatbot market[1].

The European Commission has initiated a formal antitrust investigation into Meta on December 4, 2025, after the company implemented a policy banning competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp[1]. Industry experts warn this move could stifle innovation and competition in AI-driven messaging, with some analysts describing it as a potential abuse of Meta's dominant market position to control emerging AI ecosystems.

The European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta on December 4, 2025, over its policy banning competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp, raising global concerns about digital market fairness[1]. This move signals intensified international scrutiny of dominant tech firms restricting innovation and competition, potentially shaping future regulatory frameworks worldwide.

The European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta today over its October policy restricting AI developers' access to WhatsApp's Business API, with the regulator warning that "competing AI providers may be blocked from reaching their customers through WhatsApp."[1] Meta's spokesperson dismissed the allegations as "baseless," arguing that "the emergence of AI chatbots on our Business API puts a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support," while EU competition chief Teresa Ribera indicated the bloc is considering interim measures to prevent the situation from escalating before the investigation concludes.[1] The investigation spans the European Economic Area except Italy, where regulators already began scrutinizing WhatsApp's AI integration earlier

The EU has launched an antitrust probe into Meta's new WhatsApp policy that blocks competing AI chatbots from accessing the platform's Business API, while allowing Meta's own AI to remain available, raising concerns about anti-competitive behavior[1]. Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s top competition enforcer, indicated that interim measures might be adopted to prevent the policy from undermining enforcement of competition law[1]. Meta dismissed the claims, arguing that their systems were not designed to support the surge of third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp[1].

The European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms on Thursday over its October policy restricting AI developers' access to WhatsApp's Business API, with regulators stating that "competing AI providers may be blocked from reaching their customers through WhatsApp."[1] EU competition chief Teresa Ribera indicated the bloc is considering interim measures to prevent the situation from escalating, telling reporters in Brussels: "It may be that we need to adopt these interim measures so to ensure that this could not blow up the possibility to ensure proper enforcement of the law."[1] Meta disputed the probe, with a company spokesperson claiming the commission's allegations are baseless and arguing that "the emergence of AI chatbots on our Business

Breaking: The European Commission has officially launched an antitrust investigation into Meta following its recent WhatsApp policy update that allegedly blocks competitor AI chatbots from operating on the platform. The probe, announced today, scrutinizes whether Meta’s move unfairly restricts market competition, with EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager stating, “We will assess if Meta is abusing its dominant position to stifle innovation in AI services.” Meta faces potential fines reaching up to 10% of its global turnover if found in violation.

The EU’s probe into Meta for allegedly blocking competitor AI chatbots on WhatsApp has sparked significant public concern, with a recent survey showing 68% of European consumers fear reduced choice and innovation in messaging apps. Consumer advocacy group BEUC stated, “Meta’s actions risk undermining fair competition and user freedom,” while social media backlash using #OpenChatSupport has seen over 45,000 posts in 24 hours demanding transparent AI policies.

The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Meta after technical analysis revealed that WhatsApp’s updated API policies now restrict third-party AI chatbots from accessing key messaging features, effectively blocking competitors like Telegram’s AI bots and limiting interoperability. Internal documents show that since the policy shift in late November, at least 12 independent chatbot providers have reported API access denials, with one developer stating, “We’re locked out of message delivery and user interaction endpoints without clear justification.” This move could undermine the EU’s Digital Markets Act goals, as regulators warn it may entrench Meta’s dominance in messaging and AI services.

The European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms today, alleging that the company's October policy change restricts AI developers' access to WhatsApp's Business API and blocks competing AI providers from reaching customers on the platform.[1] Meta defended the move, stating that "the emergence of AI chatbots on our Business API puts a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support," while EU competition chief Teresa Ribera indicated the bloc is considering interim measures to prevent the situation from escalating, saying "it may be that we need to adopt these interim measures so to ensure that this could not blow up the possibility to ensure proper enforcement of the law."[1] The investigation covers the entire European Economic