EU Orders Meta to Open WhatsApp to Rival AI Services

The European Commission has ordered Meta to allow competing AI chatbots access to the WhatsApp platform free of charge while it investigates allegations that the company abused its market position by restricting competitors' access.

The proceedings were triggered by complaints from several companies, including AI assistant developers from the US, France and Spain. The Commission launched its investigation last December and subsequently notified Meta of suspected competition rule violations.

According to EU Commissioner Teresa Ribera, access fees for competitors had been set so high as to make their use economically unviable. The Commission is concerned that Meta is using WhatsApp's dominant market position to favor its own Meta AI assistant.

Meta must restore access to the WhatsApp Business communication interface within five working days, on the same terms as applied before October last year. The measure will remain in place until the investigation is completed, but no later than June 2029.

Meta has criticized the decision and announced it will appeal. If the violation is confirmed, the company faces a fine of up to 10% of its worldwide annual turnover.

(reuters, bak)