EU Orders Meta to Allow Rival AI Assistants on WhatsApp

EU Orders Meta to Allow Rival AI Assistants on WhatsApp">

The European Commission has ordered Meta to restore free WhatsApp access for chatbots made by rival AI providers while the regulator finishes its antitrust investigation. The rare interim measure, announced on Tuesday, was deemed necessary 'to prevent serious and irreparable damage to competition' in the general-purpose AI assistant market. This is only the second time that the EU has used the emergency power in more than 20 years, Politico reports.

It follows the launch of a formal investigation in December 2025 into whether Meta was abusing its market dominance by banning third-party AI chatbots from its WhatsApp messaging platform. The investigation aims to determine if Meta's actions restrict competition in the AI assistant market. By requiring Meta to allow rival AI assistants on WhatsApp, the EU aims to maintain competition and prevent potential harm to consumers and businesses.

The Commission's move demonstrates its proactive approach to regulating the rapidly evolving AI sector. Meta's policies have been under scrutiny as the company continues to expand its offerings in the AI space. Why this matters: The EU's decision has significant implications for the AI industry, as it highlights the regulator's willingness to intervene in markets where competition may be at risk.

For developers, this means that they may have more opportunities to integrate their AI assistants with popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Businesses and consumers also stand to benefit from increased competition in the AI sector, which could lead to more innovative and diverse AI solutions. However, the outcome of the investigation and the long-term impact on Meta's policies remain uncertain, leaving questions about the future of AI regulation and competition in the EU.