The European Commission has initiated a formal antitrust investigation into WhatsApp’s artificial intelligence policies, raising concerns about potential anti-competitive practices in the rapidly evolving AI sector. The probe focuses on Meta Platforms’ messaging service and its recent policy changes regarding third-party AI integration.
European regulators expressed specific apprehension about WhatsApp’s move to potentially limit access for external AI providers while maintaining privileged status for its own AI chatbot service. The investigation stems from a policy update implemented by the Facebook-owned messaging platform that could effectively block rival AI companies from offering their artificial intelligence assistants to WhatsApp’s extensive user base.
The European Commission, serving as the executive arm of the 27-nation bloc, announced the investigation Thursday amid growing concerns about Big Tech companies potentially stifling innovation and competition in the artificial intelligence landscape. The probe will encompass all EU member states with the exception of Italy, where national authorities have already launched their own separate examination of WhatsApp’s AI practices.
Teresa Ribera, Commission Vice President responsible for competition policy, emphasized the urgency of preventing dominant technology firms from excluding innovative competitors. “We are investigating whether Meta’s new policy might violate competition regulations, and whether immediate action is necessary to prevent potential irreparable damage to competition in the AI domain,” Ribera stated in an official press release.
The investigation comes after WhatsApp finally launched its AI chatbot feature for European users in March, following previous delays. Meta Platforms has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the newly announced antitrust proceedings.