EU warns Meta it has to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots, citing antitrust concerns

The European Commission has sent Meta a formal statement of objections, outlining its preliminary finding that the company may have breached European Union antitrust rules related to WhatsApp. This action centers on Meta's update to WhatsApp Business' terms, which since 15 January 2026, has effectively excluded third-party, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants from accessing or interacting with users on the platform. Following this change, only Meta AI remains available on WhatsApp, leaving competing AI assistants entirely blocked.

According to the Commission, Meta's conduct risks preventing competitors from entering or expanding in the European Union's rapidly developing market for AI assistants. It contends that WhatsApp serves as an important avenue for AI chatbot providers, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to reach consumers. The Commission further warned that Meta's dominance in the EU messaging market, coupled with its policy of refusing WhatsApp access to other businesses, could cause serious and irreparable harm to market competition.

This development occurs amid ongoing regulatory tensions between EU authorities and the United States, particularly regarding the oversight of big US technology firms. The case highlights mounting scrutiny over access and competitive practices in Europe’s digital communication markets.