EU orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots for free
The European Commission ordered Meta to restore free access to WhatsApp for competing AI chatbots within five working days while it investigates Meta’s December policy blocking other AI providers. Meta said it will appeal. The EU warned of fines up to 10% of turnover and said earlier access fees were inadequate.
Near-term regulatory compliance risk and potential revenue/strategy impact from forced interoperability with rival AI assistants on WhatsApp.
EU ordered Meta to restore free access to WhatsApp for competing AI assistants within five working days or face fines during its antitrust probe.
Bias to downside/volatility around compliance deadline and appeal outcomes; magnitude depends on market view of fines and longer-term DMA/antitrust exposure.
Background
The EU launched an investigation in December into Meta’s policy of blocking access for AI providers other than Meta AI, after a prior October 2025 policy change.
Why it matters
Interim measures require free access restoration to competing AI assistants on WhatsApp, with potential fines if Meta contravenes the order while the probe continues (no end-date).
Market relevance
A concrete EU interim antitrust order with a short compliance window increases near-term regulatory risk premium for Meta and raises interoperability expectations for AI assistants on messaging platforms.
Market effects
Sets precedent for interoperability/anti-blocking requirements in AI assistant distribution via major messaging platforms.
Reinforces EU as an active enforcer of Big Tech competition rules, increasing compliance costs and operational constraints for US platforms in Europe.
May influence other jurisdictions’ antitrust approaches to AI distribution and messaging-platform access controls.
Alternative perspectives
Meta’s appeal could delay practical impact, and the order may be framed as temporary interim relief rather than a final liability finding.
Market may underweight that the EU rejected an earlier access-fee remedy as effectively equivalent to the ban, implying the EU will scrutinize any monetization workaround closely.
Key entities
- companyMeta
Ordered by the European Commission to restore free WhatsApp access for competing AI assistants within five working days; says it will appeal.
- regulatorEuropean Commission
EU antitrust authority issuing interim measures and stating it can fine up to 10% of turnover for contravention.
- officialTeresa Ribera
EU antitrust chief who said the restrictions at first sight infringe competition rules and could cause serious harm.
