EU Warning to Open WhatsApp to Competing AI Chatbots Hits Meta

The European Union (EU) has accused Meta of potentially violating antitrust regulations by misusing its market dominance, specifically by obstructing competing chatbots from accessing WhatsApp, which limits competition and innovation in the messaging sector.

On Monday, the European Commission announced that WhatsApp Business, intended for business-customer interactions, seems to violate EU antitrust regulations.

An upgrade to the messaging platform last October has made Meta AI, developed by the US tech group that owns Facebook and Instagram, the only AI assistant available on WhatsApp.

Examining the Dominance of Meta in the EU Messaging Market

The European Commission accused Meta of holding a dominant position in the EU messaging market and “abusing” this power by denying other businesses access to WhatsApp.

Additionally, the commission stated that the position could lead to “serious and irreparable harm on the market,” highlighting WhatsApp's significance as a key entry point for AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT to access consumers.

To avoid fines, Meta might need to allow third-party AI assistants access to the app.

Moreover, the warning highlights increasing tensions between European authorities and Donald Trump's administration regarding US tech company regulations, with Brussels poised to enforce stricter anti-competition rules, which the Trump administration labels as discriminatory against US firms.

Notably, EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera emphasised the necessity to defend, implement, and enforce market rules to ensure a well-functioning market, as stated in her remarks to Bloomberg.

In December, the US sanctioned former European Commissioner Thierry Breton and four other European activists for allegedly censoring and suppressing American viewpoints, an action perceived as a response to European regulations on US tech platforms.

The commission has stated that it will support Breton in his challenge to the sanctions.

Ribera expressed uncertainty regarding how the US might respond to the EU's measures against WhatsApp, suggesting that the issue is more about market functionality than political connections.

Anti-Competitive Practices Under Scrutiny

A Meta spokesperson stated that the EU has no reason to intervene in the WhatsApp Business API, citing the availability of various AI options accessible through app stores, operating systems, devices, websites, and industry partnerships.

He added that the commission erroneously assumes that the WhatsApp Business API serves as a primary distribution channel for chatbots.

Furthermore, the EU is investigating X Corp. regarding its Grok chatbot, with French police and Europol recently raiding X’s offices in Paris over concerns about the chatbot's behaviour in consumer communications.

Likewise, TikTok is at risk of breaching European regulations due to its “addictive” features, which the EU claims pose significant dangers to the mental health and well-being of children in Europe.

EU regulators are investigating Facebook and Instagram for inadequately addressing social media addiction risks for children. The company is also appealing a €200 million ($238 million) fine imposed under the Digital Markets Act for online competition violations.

Brazilian authorities have accused WhatsApp Business of engaging in potential anti-competitive practices through its new terms, according to a report by Reuters.

Subsequently, Meta suspended the case, claiming the assertions were “fundamentally wrong” and that AI chatbots on the WhatsApp Business Platform are overwhelming its systems, which were not designed for such support.

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