Brussels Targets Possible Limits on Competition
Meta is facing a new antitrust investigation in the European Union, this time over its rules governing AI features in WhatsApp. Regulators are examining whether Meta’s updated policy restricting AI providers’ access to WhatsApp’s business messaging tools may violate EU competition laws. The probe adds fresh pressure to US tech giants already under scrutiny across Europe.
According to the European Commission, Meta’s October policy change prohibits AI-focused companies from using a WhatsApp API tool that allows businesses to communicate with customers. While firms can still use AI for limited functions such as customer support, the Commission says the rule may unfairly prevent independent AI developers from offering services through WhatsApp across the European Economic Area.
Meta Pushes Back, Citing Product Limitations
Meta rejected the allegations, calling them “baseless.” A WhatsApp spokesperson said the platform’s API was never intended to support large-scale AI chatbots and that such use would “put a strain on our systems.” The company emphasized that the AI market remains highly competitive and that users can access AI tools through app stores, search engines, email, integrations, or operating systems.
Despite that defense, EU officials argue that dominant platforms must not create barriers that could sideline innovative competitors. Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera said the bloc must ensure that citizens and businesses benefit from the AI boom without entrenched players leveraging their power to restrict the market.
Part of a Broader Crackdown on Big Tech
The new probe follows a series of major fines for Silicon Valley companies. Google was recently hit with a 2.95 billion euro penalty for abuses in online advertising. Apple received a 500 million euro fine for anti-steering violations, and Meta itself was fined 200 million euros earlier this year for failing to offer consumers a less data-intensive service option.
Under EU law, antitrust penalties can reach up to 10% of a company’s annual revenue. While no end date is set for the investigation, past cases have stretched on for years. Italy will run a separate process to avoid overlap with the EU-wide probe.
Political Tensions Add Another Layer
The Commission’s investigation also highlights ongoing friction between Washington and Brussels over tech regulation. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized EU enforcement efforts, previously threatening retaliatory investigations and tariffs in response to fines against American companies.
For now, Meta faces yet another high-stakes battle in Europe as regulators test the boundaries of how far dominant digital platforms can go in shaping the fast-growing AI ecosystem.
