EU launches antitrust investigation into Meta over WhatsApp AI restrictions

The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms’ recent policy changes affecting WhatsApp — a move that could significantly reshape the competitive landscape for AI chatbots. Under the new rules, WhatsApp’s Business API will no longer allow so‑called general‑purpose AI chatbots from third‑party providers (like OpenAI, Perplexity, or Poke AI) to operate through the platform — while Meta’s own AI assistant, Meta AI, retains full access. The Brussels‑based regulator argues that the change might “prevent third‑party AI providers from offering their services through WhatsApp in the European Economic Area,” effectively blocking rivals from reaching users via one of Europe’s most popular messaging services — while giving Meta an in‑house advantage. According to the Commission’s statement, this could amount to an abuse of dominance under EU competition rules. Meta says the new policy was motivated by technical concerns — that WhatsApp’s Business API “was never designed to support chatbot traffic,” and that users still have other ways to access third‑party AI services. Meanwhile, EU regulators warn that if Meta is found to have violated antitrust laws, the company could face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue — and may be forced to reverse its restrictions or take other corrective measures. The investigation underscores the EU’s growing scrutiny of Big Tech’s AI strategies — especially when platform owners stand to benefit at the expense of independent AI innovators. #Meta #WhatsApp #EUantitrust #AIcompetition #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM