EU moves against Meta over WhatsApp AI restrictions, signals possible interim action
The European Union has intensified its antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms, warning it could impose interim measures over the company’s decision to restrict rival artificial intelligence (AI) services on WhatsApp.
In a statement issued Monday, the European Commission confirmed it has formally charged Meta with violating EU competition rules. Regulators argue that a policy introduced on January 15 allows only Meta’s in-house AI assistant, Meta AI, to operate within WhatsApp, effectively excluding competing AI developers from accessing the platform.
The Commission, acting as the bloc’s antitrust authority, said it has sent Meta a “statement of objections,” outlining its preliminary findings. The document sets out the basis of the case and gives the company an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
However, Brussels indicated it may not wait for the lengthy conclusion of a full investigation. Officials signalled their intention to introduce interim measures to prevent what they described as the risk of serious and potentially irreversible harm to competition in rapidly expanding AI markets.
At the core of the dispute is concern that Meta could leverage WhatsApp’s vast European user base to promote its own AI services while denying rivals access to a key digital gateway. Regulators fear that such a move could entrench Meta’s position in the AI sector before competitors have a fair chance to establish themselves.
The case adds to growing regulatory pressure on Meta in Europe. In April 2025, the Commission found the company in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), legislation aimed at limiting the dominance of major digital platforms designated as “gatekeepers.” Following that ruling, Meta announced changes to give EU users greater control over how their personal data is used for targeted advertising across its platforms.
If interim measures are imposed in the current case, Meta may be required to reopen WhatsApp to competing AI services while the broader investigation proceeds. A final adverse ruling could also bring substantial financial penalties and behavioural remedies.
With artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping the digital economy, the outcome of the case is expected to influence how regulators treat the integration of proprietary AI tools within dominant tech platforms across Europe.
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