European Union regulators have directed Meta to restore WhatsApp access for competing artificial intelligence chatbots, marking a significant move in the bloc’s ongoing push to enforce fair competition in digital markets, according to a Moneycontrol report.
The order comes amid concerns that Meta may be limiting interoperability on its messaging platform, potentially disadvantaging rival AI developers. WhatsApp, which is used by billions of users globally, has become a critical distribution channel for AI-powered services, making access to the platform increasingly valuable for competitors.
The European Commission’s intervention is part of its broader implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to prevent large technology companies — designated as “gatekeepers” — from abusing their dominant market positions. Under these rules, companies like Meta are required to ensure that third-party services can operate on their platforms without facing unfair restrictions.
Also read: Apple delays AI-powered Siri rollout on iPhones and iPads in EU amid regulatory standoff
The issue centres on access to WhatsApp’s messaging infrastructure, which some AI firms rely on to deploy chatbots that can communicate directly with users. Regulators found that limiting such access could restrict competition and slow innovation in the rapidly evolving AI space.
The EU’s directive requires Meta to restore compatibility for rival chatbots, ensuring that third-party AI services can integrate with WhatsApp on fair and non-discriminatory terms. The move is expected to open up the platform to a wider range of AI-driven applications, including customer support bots, enterprise tools and consumer-facing assistants.
Meta has been actively investing in its own AI capabilities, including integrating generative AI features across its platforms. The regulatory action highlights growing scrutiny over how large technology companies balance platform control with competition requirements as AI becomes central to digital ecosystems.
The development underscores how regulators are increasingly focusing on interoperability and access in the AI era, particularly as messaging apps evolve into platforms for broader digital services.
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