EU Flags Meta’s WhatsApp Policy In AI Chatbot Probe

European Union (EU) regulators have intensified antitrust scrutiny of Meta Platforms over access to WhatsApp for artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The European Commission (EC) said Meta’s move to charge third-party AI firms for platform access does not address concerns raised in an ongoing investigation.

In March, Meta introduced a pricing model for companies seeking to integrate chatbots with WhatsApp. Regulators stated that the change replaces an earlier restriction but does not enable fair competition. Competition officials indicated the policy could sustain Meta’s position in the AI assistant market and limit access for rivals. The probe, opened in December, examines terms that affect how chatbot providers use WhatsApp for customer communication. Authorities are considering interim measures that may require Meta to restore earlier access conditions until a final decision.

Meta said enforced free access would shift costs to businesses using its platform and distort market participation.