EU ORDERS META TO OPEN WHATSAPP TO RIVAL AI CHATBOTS

The European Commission has ordered Meta to restore free access to WhatsApp for third-party AI chatbots operated by rival firms. The ruling requires Meta to reinstate access within five working days under the same terms and conditions that previously applied to the WhatsApp for Business API. The Commission described the measure as an interim step, to remain in place for the duration of an ongoing antitrust investigation. Meta has responded by accusing the Commission of regulatory overreach and confirmed it will appeal the decision.

The Commission opened its investigation in December 2025 after Meta banned third-party general-purpose AI assistants from the WhatsApp for Business API. Regulators said the ban appeared to constitute an abuse of Meta's dominant position in European markets and risked causing serious and irreparable harm to competition. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera said competition in rapidly evolving markets can be lost before a final decision is reached, justifying the use of interim measures. The Commission warned that non-compliance could result in a fine of up to 10 per cent of Meta's total turnover.

Meta argued the ruling allows some of the largest AI companies in the world, including OpenAI, to access a paid commercial product at no cost. The company said this amounted to a subsidy at the expense of European businesses that pay for the WhatsApp Business product. The Commission framed its decision as preserving choice for citizens across Europe regarding which AI assistants they use with WhatsApp. The antitrust investigation remains ongoing, and the interim access requirement will stay in force until it concludes.