EU Directs Meta to Permit Access for Competing AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

EU Mandates Access for Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

The European Commission has ordered Meta to reinstate access to WhatsApp's business tools for competing AI chatbots, escalating an ongoing antitrust conflict. This directive follows Meta's decision to restrict WhatsApp integrations solely to its own AI, which has raised concerns about competition in the messaging market.

Teresa Ribera, the Commission's Executive Vice President, emphasized that the interim measures will be in effect during the investigation initiated in December 2025. She highlighted the urgency of maintaining competition in rapidly evolving markets, stating, "In rapidly evolving markets, competition can be lost long before a final decision is adopted."

The order mandates that Meta restore access for third-party AI assistants to the WhatsApp Business API, reverting to previous terms before the restrictions were imposed. Meta has criticized the ruling as "regulatory overreach" and intends to appeal, arguing that it unfairly allows large companies like OpenAI to utilize WhatsApp’s paid services without charge, thereby impacting European businesses that pay for access.

The investigation was launched after Meta changed its policy to allow only its own AI on WhatsApp, effectively cutting off access for other chatbots. This new policy took effect on January 15, 2025, although competitors had already been disconnected since October 2025. The Commission is examining whether Meta is abusing its dominant market position by limiting AI access on WhatsApp exclusively for its own benefit.

Ribera reiterated the importance of preserving choices for European citizens regarding the AI assistants they wish to use on WhatsApp. Non-compliance with the Commission's order could lead to fines of up to 10% of Meta's global revenue. This situation highlights the broader tension between AI developers seeking access to massive user bases on messaging platforms and the owners of those platforms, who are focused on monetizing that access.

Meta has five business days to comply with the Commission’s order while preparing its appeal.