Meta: EU launches antitrust investigation into AI providers’ access to WhatsApp

Brussels, 4 December (LaPresse) – The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Meta’s new policy on access to WhatsApp for artificial intelligence providers may violate EU competition rules. Meta’s new policy, announced in October 2025, prohibits AI providers from using a tool that allows companies to communicate with customers via WhatsApp, the ‘WhatsApp Business Solution,’ when AI is the main service offered. Companies can still use AI tools for ancillary or support functions, such as automated customer support offered via WhatsApp. The Commission is concerned that this new policy may prevent third-party AI providers from offering their services via WhatsApp in the European Economic Area, the EU executive writes. Meta, based in the United States, is a technology company that provides a range of online communication and social networking services. Its main products include WhatsApp, a messaging service that allows users to exchange text messages, voice notes, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls. WhatsApp also allows businesses to communicate with their customers via the platform. Several artificial intelligence providers offer access to their assistants via WhatsApp, allowing users to interact with conversational artificial intelligence directly within the app for activities such as answering questions, generating content or accessing customer support.