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EU Threatens Meta Over WhatsApp AI Limits
The European Union has stepped up its fight against Meta Platforms. It warns that it may take quick action because Meta is blocking rival artificial intelligence services from working on WhatsApp. This is one of the strongest signs that regulators in Brussels are ready to move fast to stop unfair practices in the fast-growing digital world.
On Monday, the European Commission released a statement. The Commission is the EU’s top watchdog for competition rules. It formally charged Meta with breaking these rules by limiting access to WhatsApp’s system. Meta changed its policy on January 15. Now, only its own AI assistant, called Meta AI, can work on WhatsApp. This shuts out other AI developers who want to compete.
The Commission sent Meta a “statement of objections.” This is an official document that explains why the EU thinks Meta’s actions break competition laws. It gives Meta a chance to reply and defend itself before any final decision. But the EU is not waiting for the full probe, which can take years.”
The Commission therefore intends to impose interim measures to prevent this policy change from causing serious and irreparable harm on the market, subject to Meta’s reply and rights of defence,” the EU executive said. In simple terms, regulators worry that if they wait too long, Meta could gain a big, unfair lead in AI services.
The main problem is how Meta’s choice hurts competition right away and for a long time. WhatsApp has hundreds of millions of users in Europe. By controlling this huge platform, Meta can push its own AI while keeping rivals out. This denies other companies a key way to reach customers.
This is not Meta’s first run-in with EU regulators. Just last year, in April 2025, the Commission ruled that Meta broke the Digital Markets Act, or DMA. This is a major new law to control “gatekeeper” tech giants like Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The DMA aims to stop these companies from having too much power.
After that ruling, Meta had to make changes. It promised EU users more control over their personal data for ads on Facebook and Instagram. Users can now choose to limit how data is shared between platforms. This came after long talks with the Commission.
For Meta, the risks are huge. If the EU adds interim measures, Meta might have to let rival AI services into WhatsApp during the investigation. A final decision against Meta could mean big fines and strict new rules on how it acts.
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As the race for better AI heats up, this case matters for more than just Meta. It could set rules for all big tech platforms. They want to add their own AI tools to apps without breaking competition laws. The EU’s move shows it will act to keep markets fair.
Regulators fear Meta’s power over WhatsApp gives it an edge that rivals can’t match. By acting now, Brussels hopes to protect innovation and choice for users. Meta says it will respond, but the pressure is on. This battle highlights growing tensions between U.S. tech giants and European rules on data, AI, and fair play.
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