EU Warns Meta Over Blocking AI Competitors on WhatsApp

• Meta implemented a policy on January 15 that permits only its Meta AI assistant to operate on WhatsApp, excluding competing AI services
• The European Commission sent a formal statement of objections (charge sheet) to Meta for breaching EU antitrust rules
• Regulators may impose interim measures to halt the policy change while the case proceeds, subject to Meta's rights of defense

Summary: EU Charges Meta Over AI Competitor Restrictions on WhatsApp

The European Commission has formally charged Meta Platforms with violating EU antitrust regulations by blocking competing artificial intelligence services from its WhatsApp messaging platform. The charges come after Meta implemented a policy on January 15 that permits only its proprietary AI assistant, Meta AI, to operate on WhatsApp while excluding rival AI services.

Key Developments:

The EU's antitrust watchdog issued a statement of objections (formal charge sheet) to Meta on Monday, February 9. Significantly, regulators warned they intend to impose interim measures to prevent Meta's policy from causing "serious and irreparable harm on the market." These provisional measures would represent an escalation in enforcement action, though they remain subject to Meta's response and defense.

Market Implications:

This case highlights the EU's aggressive stance on Big Tech competition enforcement, particularly in the rapidly growing AI sector. The timing is notable as it follows Meta's recent policy change by less than one month, indicating swift regulatory action. Interim measures, if imposed, could force Meta to immediately reverse its WhatsApp AI restrictions before the full investigation concludes—a rare and powerful enforcement tool.

The case underscores regulatory risk for major tech platforms attempting to leverage market dominance in one area (messaging) to advantage their AI products. For Meta competitors in the AI space, successful EU action could open market access to WhatsApp's massive user base. Investors should monitor Meta's response and the Commission's decision on interim measures, which could set important precedents for AI competition across digital platforms.