Meta Platforms Antitrust Investigation in the EU

The European Union has launched an antitrust inquiry concerning Meta Platforms due to its decision to limit how competing artificial intelligence (AI) services operate on WhatsApp. This action, revealed by the European Commission, signifies the latest step in Brussels’ persistent effort to regulate the influence of Big Tech, particularly focusing on how leading firms leverage new AI functionalities to create an unfair edge.

Overview of the Investigation

The investigation is centred around a policy modification that Meta instituted in late 2025. This new guideline prohibits third-party AI developers from utilising the WhatsApp Business Solution if their primary offering is AI. Essentially, this policy seems to obstruct general-purpose chatbots from interacting with the platform, while Meta’s proprietary service, Meta AI, continues to be fully integrated and available to users.

Regulatory Concerns

Regulators in Brussels are apprehensive that this adjustment may represent an exploitation of a dominant market position, which contravenes EU competition regulations. The Commission’s major concern revolves around competing AI providers being unable to connect with customers via WhatsApp, thereby unjustly enhancing Meta’s own product in the rapidly growing AI landscape. The EU’s Executive Vice-President, Teresa Ribera, highlighted the urgency to act swiftly to prevent major digital entities from pushing out innovative challengers and causing irreparable damage to the market.

Impact on Competitors

The effects of Meta’s policy have already become apparent, with significant rival chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, announcing their cessation of operations through the WhatsApp Business platform. The Commission’s investigation is being conducted under standard competition protocols, distinct from the EU’s newly introduced Digital Markets Act. Regulators are also mulling over implementing interim measures to avert further harm while the comprehensive investigation is underway.

Meta’s Response

In response, Meta has dismissed the allegations as unfounded. A representative from the company argued that the integration of third-party chatbots imposes a burden on its systems that were not designed to accommodate. Meta also asserts that the AI landscape is already intensely competitive and that users have a plethora of options to access AI services beyond WhatsApp. Although there is no set deadline for the investigation, it underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair competition among technology firms in Europe.