Meta Offers Limited WhatsApp Access to Rival AI in EU
Meta offered limited free WhatsApp access to rival AI chatbots in the EU, but critics say usage caps and fees fail to address competition concerns under EU antitrust rules.
Meta offered limited free WhatsApp access to rival AI chatbots in the EU, but critics say usage caps and fees fail to address competition concerns under EU antitrust rules.
Meta temporarily opens WhatsApp’s Business API to AI chatbots in Europe as the Commission weighs interim antitrust measures and broader competition concerns.
The European Commission has accused Meta of abusing its dominance by excluding rival AI assistants from WhatsApp and signaled possible interim measures to protect competition.
The Commission designated WhatsApp Channels as a VLOP under the DSA, triggering four‑month compliance duties for systemic risk mitigation and Commission-led supervision by mid‑May 2026.
Meta will introduce DMA-mandated third-party encrypted messaging interoperability in WhatsApp in the EU, giving users opt-in control, inbox choice, and E2EE-based security requirements.
WhatsApp’s open channels will be designated a DSA VLOP, triggering audits, content moderation and transparency duties while private messaging remains unaffected.
Meta outlines plans for WhatsApp and Messenger interoperability under EU’s DMA, emphasizing security and third-party agreements.