EU Orders Meta to Reopen AI Access on WhatsApp
Get the Tech newsletter
Daily tech — startups, AI labs, chips, the launches that shape the next decade. Free.
- European Commission ordered Meta to let rival AI chatbots use WhatsApp for free as an interim measure during its antitrust probe.
- Meta said the decision is regulatory overreach, accused the Commission of subsidising competitors, and announced it will appeal.
- European Commission launched the investigation in December 2025 after Meta blocked third‑party general‑purpose AI assistants from the WhatsApp for Business API, deeming it an abuse of dominant position.
- European Commission gave Meta five working days to reinstate access for third‑party AI assistants under the same terms as before, warning non‑compliance could trigger a fine of up to 10% of its total turnover.
- OpenAI was named among the large firms that could now use the paid WhatsApp Business product for free, prompting Meta to claim the ruling benefits competitors at its expense.
Why it matters: Third‑party AI developers and European users gain immediate access to WhatsApp’s business platform, while Meta faces a potential 10% turnover fine and must open a paid service for free, reshaping competition on the messaging market. The EU’s interim order also underscores its willingness to enforce competition rules on digital messaging services, directly targeting Meta’s dominant position.
Ask SkimNews
