EU Court Rules Meta Monopolistic, Orders WhatsApp to Restore Third-Party AI Access

The European Commission has provisionally determined that Meta violated EU antitrust laws by blocking third-party AI assistants from accessing WhatsApp. While Meta later adjusted its policies, the EU still sees exclusivity concerns in those changes.
This ruling is part of an ongoing investigation into Meta's competitive practices. To safeguard fair competition, regulators plan to order Meta to unconditionally restore access for third-party AI tools, ensuring the ecosystem remains open.
Accused of Creating Barriers
Since January 2026, Meta attempted to effectively block general AI assistants from its communication apps by updating its service terms. Under pressure from the EU investigation, Meta lifted the ban but introduced a complex fee structure.
The European Commission noted that this alternative charging model still creates obstacles for third-party developers. As a result, it makes it hard for competitors to thrive on WhatsApp, reinforcing Meta's dominant market position.
Upholding Fair Competition
To prevent irreversible market harm, the Commission has ordered Meta to restore the access conditions that were in place before October 2025. This interim measure remains in effect until regulators reach a final legal decision on Meta's practices.
Meta has submitted responses to the allegations but has not overturned the regulator's preliminary ruling. This action underscores the EU's firm antitrust stance toward global tech giants, aiming to create a level playing field for AI innovators.
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The European Commission has provisionally determined that Meta violated EU antitrust laws by blocking third-party AI assistants from accessing WhatsApp. While Meta later adjusted its policies, the EU still sees exclusivity concerns in those changes.
This ruling is part of an ongoing investigation into Meta's competitive practices. To safeguard fair competition, regulators plan to order Meta to unconditionally restore access for third-party AI tools, ensuring the ecosystem remains open.
Accused of Creating Barriers
Since January 2026, Meta attempted to effectively block general AI assistants from its communication apps by updating its service terms. Under pressure from the EU investigation, Meta lifted the ban but introduced a complex fee structure.
The European Commission noted that this alternative charging model still creates obstacles for third-party developers. As a result, it makes it hard for competitors to thrive on WhatsApp, reinforcing Meta's dominant market position.
Upholding Fair Competition
To prevent irreversible market harm, the Commission has ordered Meta to restore the access conditions that were in place before October 2025. This interim measure remains in effect until regulators reach a final legal decision on Meta's practices.
Meta has submitted responses to the allegations but has not overturned the regulator's preliminary ruling. This action underscores the EU's firm antitrust stance toward global tech giants, aiming to create a level playing field for AI innovators.
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