The European Union has rejected Meta's proposed remedy of charging rival AI chatbots for access to its WhatsApp platform, stating that this approach violates the bloc's antitrust rules [1]. Meta implemented the pay-for-access model in March as a response to an EU probe, which had previously found that Meta had 'effectively' barred third-party artificial intelligence assistants from WhatsApp, constituting a breach of competition regulations [1].
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera emphasized that replacing a legal ban with pricing that has a similar exclusionary effect does not alter the commission's preliminary view that Meta's conduct appears to be an abuse of its dominant position, potentially causing serious harm to competition [1]. The European Commission announced its intention to order Meta to restore third-party AI assistants' access to WhatsApp under the same conditions as before its October 2025 policy change, as part of interim measures pending the completion of the ongoing probe [1].
The investigation, which began in December, is part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate large technology firms, particularly those based in the United States [1]. Meta has integrated its own generative assistant, Meta AI, across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which are used by billions globally [1]. The restrictions imposed by Meta specifically target rivals whose core service is AI, such as chatbots or assistants, though companies can still use AI for support functions like customer service on WhatsApp [1].
EU regulators are particularly concerned that restricting access for rival chatbots could lock WhatsApp's more than three billion users into Meta AI, giving Meta a significant commercial advantage over competitors, especially smaller market entrants [1]. The scope of the investigation has been expanded to cover the entire European Economic Area, including all 27 EU states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, after initially excluding Italy due to its separate probe [1].
CONCLUSION
The EU's rejection of Meta's pay-for-access remedy signals a strong regulatory stance against practices perceived as anti-competitive in the AI chatbot market. This development could have significant implications for Meta's business model and its competitive positioning in Europe, as regulators push for equal access for rival AI services on WhatsApp.