Brussels is keeping major US tech companies at bay, and took another step this Thursday. The European Commission opened an official investigation to evaluate Whether Meta’s new policy on artificial intelligence (AI) providers’ access to WhatsApp may violate regulations from European Union competition. The new Meta policy, announced in October 2025, prevents artificial intelligence providers from using a tool that allows companies to communicate with their customers through WhatsApp, or the so-called WhatsApp Business Solution, when artificial intelligence is the main service provided.
Businesses can continue to use AI tools for additional or supporting functions, such as automated customer support provided through WhatsApp. The committee is concerned This new policy may prevent third-party AI providers from providing their services. With WhatsApp in the European Economic Area, the community’s executive body made itself clear in a statement. That is, Brussels fears that Meta will impose a monopoly in this regard.
The Commission understands that Meta will implement the new policy by updating WhatsApp’s terms and conditions for business users, the “WhatsApp Business API Terms”. For AI providers already on WhatsApp, the update will be applicable from January 15, 2026, while for new AI providers on WhatsApp, the update is already applicable from October 15, 2025. As a result of the new policy, Competing AI vendors may be blocked from reaching their customers Via WhatsApp.
On the other hand, Meta’s AI service, called Meta AI, It will remain accessible to platform users. The formal investigation will cover the European Economic Area, excluding Italy. The aim is to avoid interference with the ongoing proceedings of the Italian Competition Authority for the possible imposition of precautionary measures in relation to Meta’s behaviour, the European Commission explains. If proven, the practices under investigation could violate EU competition rules prohibiting abuse of a dominant position.
This research is part The Commission’s ongoing monitoring of AI markets in the EEAfollowing the consultation that began in January 2024 and the publication of a guidance document on 19 September 2024. The Committee will now conduct its in-depth investigation as a priority. Opening an official investigation does not constitute a prejudgment on its results.
“AI markets are booming in Europe and beyond. We must ensure that European citizens and businesses can fully benefit from this technological revolution.” Work to prevent dominant digital companies from abusing their power “Excluding innovative competitors. That is why we are investigating whether the new Meta policy may be illegal under competition rules and whether we need to act quickly to avoid any potential irreparable harm to competition in the field of artificial intelligence,” explained European Commission Vice-President responsible for competition, Teresa Ribera.