BRUSSELS, Feb 9, 2026, 18:15 CET
- The EU has slapped antitrust charges on Meta, targeting WhatsApp’s rules that block third-party AI assistants
- Regulators are considering interim steps that might require access to remain available throughout the investigation
- Meta insists users access chatbots on other platforms and challenges WhatsApp’s status as a primary gateway
On Monday, EU antitrust authorities warned they could act swiftly against Meta Platforms over WhatsApp’s policy that blocks competing AI assistants. The regulators hinted at imposing temporary measures while their competition investigation continues. Reuters
The warning emerges just as chatbots are increasingly deployed in customer service and sales—fields where reach is crucial. Without integration into WhatsApp, a service risks losing direct access to consumers and businesses that rely on the app as their main entry point.
The European Commission announced it has issued Meta a “statement of objections,” the official list of charges in its EU antitrust investigation. It’s also considering interim measures—temporary actions designed to prevent damage before a final ruling. Europa
Competition chief Teresa Ribera warned the Commission won’t let dominant firms exploit their market power to secure an “unfair advantage” while competitors work on alternative tools.
Meta pushed back, saying regulators are exaggerating WhatsApp’s part in the AI assistant race. “There are many AI options,” a Meta spokesperson noted, pointing out users access them via app stores, devices, websites, and partnerships.
At the core is the WhatsApp Business API, which allows companies and developers to integrate tools with WhatsApp on a large scale. Regulators argue Meta’s new policy effectively forces everyone to use only its own “Meta AI” assistant, shutting out third-party services that previously relied on that access to build their products.
The Commission views WhatsApp as a crucial gateway for consumer-oriented chatbots, including platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the Guardian reported. Theguardian
Brussels is following Italy’s lead after the antitrust watchdog AGCM demanded Meta halt certain WhatsApp contract terms last December. These terms risked blocking rival AI chatbots, and the move came amid an investigation into possible dominant position abuse. Reuters
Outside Europe, a similar battle unfolded in Brazil. In January, a court paused a CADE antitrust ruling that had stopped Meta from limiting third-party AI tools on WhatsApp Business, the company said. Reuters
The Commission noted that any EU interim measures hinge on Meta’s response and its defence rights, allowing the company to present its case before a temporary order takes effect.
The outcome isn’t set in stone. A temporary order might still be contested in court, with Meta arguing rivals can connect with users through other means even if WhatsApp is off the table.
