Eu challenges Meta over WhatsApp AI fees amid competition concerns

15:30

The European Commission has raised concerns over new policies introduced by Meta Platforms regarding access to artificial intelligence services on its messaging platform WhatsApp. According to EU regulators, the introduction of fees for third-party AI assistants could violate competition rules and limit market access for smaller developers.

The Commission indicated that the revised policy may effectively exclude rival AI tools from operating on WhatsApp, potentially undermining fair competition in the rapidly growing AI sector. As a result, it is considering interim measures that would require Meta to restore access for competing AI assistants under conditions similar to those in place before October 2025.

These temporary measures are designed to prevent potential harm to competition while the investigation continues. EU authorities stressed that maintaining open digital ecosystems is essential to fostering innovation and ensuring consumer choice across the bloc.

Meta, however, has pushed back against the EU’s position, arguing that its approach is intended to create a balanced framework and that regulatory pressure could disproportionately benefit larger, established players in the market.

The case highlights growing tensions between major technology companies and European regulators, who have increasingly taken a firm stance on digital competition and market fairness. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday platforms, the outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent for how tech giants manage access to their ecosystems.