EC Opens Probe on Meta's AI Practices

The European Commission has started an investigation to assess whether the new Meta Platforms policy for restrictions on AI providers accessing WhatsApp is anticompetitive. The EC stated the policy announced in October prohibits providers from using a tool allowing businesses to communicate on WhatsApp when AI is the primary service offered.

Set to roll out widely in 2026, the policy would allow businesses to use AI tools for ancillary or support functions, including automated customer support through WhatsApp. However, the EC explained its concerns center on the fact that the new policy may prevent AI providers from offering their service through WhatsApp.

“As a result of the new policy, competing AI providers may be blocked from reaching their customers through WhatsApp,” the EC stated. “On the other hand, Meta’s own AI service, Meta AI, would remain accessible to users on the platform.”

The EC pointed out that WhatsApp currently allows businesses to communicate with their customers through the platform, while several AI providers offer access to their assistants through the service. Meta plans to implement the policy through an update to its WhatsApp terms and conditions for business users, applying to AI providers already present on the messaging service as of 15 January 2026.

AI providers new to WhatsApp have been subject to the policy since 15 October. A thorough formal investigation will cover the European Economic Area except for Italy, avoiding potential overlap with a separate case brought forward by Italian regulators against Meta.