The European Commission has initiated a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms, focusing on its policy that limits access for third-party artificial intelligence providers to WhatsApp's business messaging tools. Regulators are concerned the tech giant may be exploiting its dominant market position to unfairly promote its own AI service.
What the Investigation is About
The probe centers on a policy change Meta introduced in October 2025. This new rule prohibits AI companies from using the WhatsApp Business Solution if artificial intelligence is their primary offering. The restrictions are set to take full effect on January 15, 2026, for existing providers. However, new AI providers have been blocked from accessing the platform since October 15, 2025. Notably, Meta's own AI assistant, Meta AI, continues to operate without any restrictions on the platform.
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera stressed the urgency of the situation. She emphasized the need to stop dominant digital firms from stifling innovative rivals. Regulators must act swiftly, she stated, to prevent lasting damage to competition within the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector.
Major AI Services Forced to Exit
The policy shift has already had significant consequences, forcing leading AI providers to withdraw their services from WhatsApp. OpenAI's ChatGPT, which served a massive user base of over 50 million on the platform, has announced it will cease operations by the January deadline. Microsoft's Copilot has made a similar announcement. Several other third-party AI assistants are expected to follow suit, potentially leaving Meta AI as the only chatbot option available on the popular messaging service.
It is important to note that companies can still utilize AI for secondary functions, such as automated customer support. The restriction specifically applies when AI technology forms the core of the product being offered.
Legal Grounds and Meta's Response
The Commission's investigation will examine whether Meta's actions breach Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which forbids the abuse of a dominant market position. The probe will cover the European Economic Area, excluding Italy, where national competition authorities have already begun their own separate proceedings against Meta's conduct.
In response, Meta has dismissed the investigation as "baseless." The company argues that AI chatbots place a strain on systems that were not originally designed to support them. Meta also maintains that the AI market remains highly competitive. Despite the regulatory scrutiny, the company has not announced any plans to alter its controversial policy.
The investigation does not have a predetermined end date. Its duration will depend on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation Meta extends to the regulators.
