Meta ordered by EU to allow Rival AI Chatbots Back on Whatsapp for Free

BRUSSELS – Meta Platforms has been ordered by European Union antitrust regulators to give rival AI chatbots, including OpenAI systems, free access to WhatsApp while an investigation continues into possible abuse of market power.

The European Commission said Meta may have unfairly restricted competitors from its WhatsApp Business platform. The probe began after complaints from several AI companies and later led to formal charges.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said Meta’s access fees were too high and made it difficult for competitors to operate. She added that Meta could be using WhatsApp’s large user base to strengthen its own AI assistant while limiting rivals.

Under the interim order, Meta must restore equal access to the WhatsApp Business API within five working days. The order will remain in place during the investigation, or until June 2029 at the latest.

Meta rejected the decision, calling it unfair and saying it forces European businesses to subsidize big tech companies. The company said it will appeal.

If found guilty, Meta could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

One-point summary: EU orders Meta to give equal WhatsApp access to AI rivals during an ongoing antitrust investigation.