The European Commission has instructed Meta to allow rival artificial intelligence chatbots to operate through WhatsApp without charging fees. The decision comes during an ongoing antitrust investigation into Meta’s restrictions on third party AI tools.
Regulators argue that Meta’s move to block external AI assistants from WhatsApp Business tools could harm competition in a fast growing market. The Commission says such limits may break European competition rules and reduce choice for users and businesses.
Officials describe the action as an interim step. It will stay in place while the wider investigation continues. Meta must restore access within five working days and apply the same terms that existed before the restriction.
EU warns of harm to competition
The European Commission said it stepped in to prevent long term damage to competition. It believes early restrictions in emerging markets can lock out rivals before a final ruling is made.
Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s executive vice president for a clean, just and competitive transition, said competition can disappear quickly in rapidly changing sectors. She added that users in Europe should be free to choose their preferred AI assistants on WhatsApp.
The Commission also warned Meta that failure to comply could lead to fines worth up to ten percent of its global turnover.
Meta rejects decision and plans appeal
Meta reacted strongly to the ruling. The company argued that the decision effectively allows major AI providers to use WhatsApp Business services without payment.
Meta said this creates unfair conditions and puts financial pressure on companies that already pay to use its platform. It called the ruling regulatory overreach and confirmed it will appeal.
The dispute began after Meta restricted access to WhatsApp Business Application Programming Interface tools for general purpose AI assistants other than its own system.
Investigation into market dominance
The European Commission launched its investigation in December 2025. It is examining whether Meta abused a dominant position by limiting access for rival AI systems on WhatsApp.
Officials believe such restrictions may give Meta an unfair advantage in the growing AI communication market. The case reflects wider tension between European regulators and large United States based technology companies.
Industry impact and wider implications
The outcome of the case could influence how messaging platforms handle AI integration in the future. It may also shape how regulators treat competition in digital communication services across Europe.
