Meta Platforms said it will allow rival artificial intelligence chatbots to operate on WhatsApp in Europe for the next 12 months, seeking to address antitrust concerns raised by the European Commission.
The company will enable access through the WhatsApp Business API, allowing general-purpose AI assistants to integrate with the messaging service for a fee. Meta had previously blocked competing chatbots, allowing only its own Meta AI assistant on the platform.
EU regulators warned they could impose interim measures after complaints from competitors who argued the restriction harmed competition. Italy’s antitrust authority issued a similar order earlier, prompting Meta to allow rival chatbots on WhatsApp in that market while investigations continue.
The European Commission said it is evaluating whether Meta’s changes adequately address competition concerns as it continues a broader antitrust probe into the company’s AI and messaging platform practices. Critics argue the proposed pricing structure could still limit viable access for third-party AI providers.
