EU threatens to act over Meta blocking rival AI chatbots from WhatsApp

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Aisha DownFebruary 9, 2026 at 02:01 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The European Commission has threatened to take action against Meta for allegedly blocking rival AI chatbots from using its WhatsApp messaging platform. The commission claims that WhatsApp Business's upgrade last October restricts access to the platform, allowing only Meta's AI assistant, Meta AI, to be used. This move is seen as an abuse of dominance in the EU market, potentially causing "serious and irreparable harm" to other businesses. The commission considers WhatsApp a key entry point for AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT to reach consumers. The warning comes amid tensions between European authorities and the US government over regulation of US tech companies. Meta has denied any wrongdoing, stating that there is no reason for the EU to intervene in the WhatsApp Business API.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bloomberg 30% Brazil 30% ChatGPT 35% OpenAI 35% Teresa Ribera ×240% Thierry Breton ×240% Donald Trump 50% United States ×460% European Commission ×375% Meta ×580% WhatsApp ×785% European Union ×790%

Keywords

eu antitrust rules 90% whatsapp business 80% meta 80% ai chatbots 80% european commission 70% market dominance 60% anti-competition 60% regulation 50% us tech companies 50% teresa ribera 40%