As the AI race intensifies, the European Union has moved to curb what it sees as Meta’s attempt to monopolize AI services on WhatsApp, warning of possible interim sanctions.
The European Commission announced on Monday that it has formally charged Meta Platforms with violating EU competition rules by restricting access to WhatsApp’s ecosystem. The company’s policy, implemented on January 15, reportedly allows only its proprietary AI assistant, Meta AI, to operate on the platform, effectively blocking rival developers from offering their services.
In issuing a “statement of objections”, the Commission outlined its preliminary view that Meta’s conduct may breach competition law. The statement gives the company an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. The Commission also indicated it may impose interim measures to prevent the policy from causing serious or irreversible harm to the market.
Regulators expressed concern that waiting for a full investigation, which can take years, could allow Meta to entrench an unfair advantage in AI-driven services. WhatsApp’s massive user base across Europe provides Meta the ability to favour its own AI products while limiting competitors’ access to a critical market.
This move comes amid broader scrutiny of Meta under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In April 2025, the Commission found the company in breach of the DMA, which regulates dominant digital platforms, known as “gatekeepers”.
Following that ruling, Meta pledged to give EU users greater control over how their data is shared for advertising across Facebook and Instagram.
If interim measures are imposed, Meta could be required to allow third-party AI tools on WhatsApp while the investigation continues. A final ruling could also result in fines and stricter behavioural remedies, shaping the future of AI integration on major digital platforms.
