EU Investigates Meta Over WhatsApp AI Chatbot Ban

Meta’s recent decision to serve only its AI chatbot, Meta AI, on WhatsApp is now under scrutiny by the European Commission. Regulators have launched an antitrust investigation, flagging concerns that Meta’s move could block other AI providers from reaching WhatsApp users in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Back in October, WhatsApp updated its business API policy to ban general-purpose AI chatbots from the app. The change, effective January, affects competitors like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Poke, while leaving businesses using AI for customer service untouched. That means a retailer running an AI-powered support bot can continue using WhatsApp, but ChatGPT-style bots are explicitly prohibited.

The EU’s worry is simple: Meta could be abusing its dominance to favor its own AI while shutting out rivals. “Competing AI providers may be blocked from reaching their customers through WhatsApp,” the Commission noted. Teresa Ribera, VP for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition at the European Commission, emphasized that AI markets are booming and that Europe must ensure citizens and businesses benefit from innovation — without dominant players crowding out competitors.

Why it matters: Messaging platforms like WhatsApp are becoming central AI distribution channels. Whoever controls access effectively controls which AI models get traction. If Meta’s policy stands, it could give Meta AI a huge head start, potentially locking in users and data while competitors scramble for alternatives.

Pros and cons: Meta strengthens its ecosystem and avoids potential system strain from third-party bots, but the move risks heavy fines — up to 10% of global revenue — and regulatory backlash. It also raises questions about fairness, competition, and how AI innovation will be regulated in the EU.

The hot take: This isn’t just about one policy update. It’s a sign that regulators are watching how AI giants use platform control to shape markets. Investors, AI builders, and industry watchers should note that the rules of AI competition in Europe are being written in real time, and Meta may be testing just how far it can push the boundaries before regulators step in.

For users, it’s a reminder: AI choice is under threat in the biggest messaging networks. For the AI industry, the case underscores a simple truth — platform control equals market power, and Europe is ready to push back.