Meta faces investigation in EU over WhatsApp ‘banning’ AI chatbots
The European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms’ policy restricting third-party artificial intelligence providers from accessing WhatsApp’s business messaging tools, raising concerns the tech giant may be abusing its dominant position to favor its own AI service.
The investigation centers on Meta’s October 2025 policy change that prohibits AI companies from using the WhatsApp Business Solution when artificial intelligence is their primary offering. The restrictions take effect January 15, 2026 for existing AI providers, while new providers have been blocked since October 15, 2025. Meta’s own AI assistant, Meta AI, remains accessible on the platform.
