European antitrust authorities investigate WhatsApp for its use of artificial intelligence

LONDON The European Union has launched an antitrust investigation into WhatsApp, focusing on the messaging platform's approach to artificial intelligence. Officials announced on Thursday that the inquiry is prompted by concerns over the company's restrictions on third-party AI providers.

The European Commission, the EUs executive branch, stated that a recent policy change could potentially prevent competing AI services from operating their assistants on WhatsApp, while Metas own AI chatbot remains available to users. The messaging app, owned by Meta Platforms, introduced its AI chatbot for EU users in March following earlier delays.

Meta has not issued an immediate response regarding the probe. Teresa Ribera, the Commissions vice president responsible for competition matters, emphasized the EUs commitment to ensuring that major tech firms do not stifle innovative rivals. She stated, We are examining whether Metas updated policy may violate competition laws and whether swift measures are needed to avoid any lasting damage to AI competition.

The investigation will span all 27 EU member states except Italy, where national authorities have already begun a separate inquiry.

Author: Noah Whitman