European Union regulators are increasing pressure on Meta Platforms over changes to how artificial intelligence services can operate on WhatsApp, following concerns that the company’s policies may restrict competition.
The European Commission is examining updates to WhatsApp’s business terms that affect how third-party AI providers can access the platform. According to reporting, Meta introduced changes that initially limited or blocked general-purpose AI assistants from operating on WhatsApp, leaving its own Meta AI as the primary assistant available on the service.
Regulators have stated that companies offering AI services must be allowed to make their tools available on WhatsApp without being required to pay access fees. The Commission’s position is that such fees could restrict market access for competing providers and reduce competition in the AI sector.
The issue forms part of a wider antitrust investigation launched in December 2025. Authorities are assessing whether Meta’s policies breach European competition rules by limiting the ability of rival AI developers to reach users through WhatsApp, which is considered a major distribution channel for digital services.
As part of its response to regulatory scrutiny, Meta previously proposed allowing third-party AI tools on WhatsApp under a model that included paid access. However, regulators indicated that this approach may not resolve concerns, as it could still create barriers for competitors.
European officials have warned that interim measures may be imposed to prevent potential harm to the market while the investigation continues. These measures could require Meta to adjust or suspend parts of its WhatsApp AI policy before a final decision is reached.
Meta has disputed the allegations, stating that the AI ecosystem remains competitive and that users can access alternative services through other platforms. The company has also said that integrating external AI systems into WhatsApp presents technical and operational challenges.
The case focuses on how messaging platforms are used as entry points for AI services and whether platform operators can set conditions that limit third-party access. The outcome of the investigation has not been announced, and proceedings remain ongoing.