EU orders Meta to reopen WhatsApp to AI rivals for free

The European Commission issued an emergency order to Meta on Tuesday, demanding the company restore free access to WhatsApp’s business tools for competing artificial intelligence assistants. The decision reverses restrictions Meta introduced last October, which blocked rival AI services from using WhatsApp’s API for free. The EU’s intervention aims to prevent further loss of competition in rapidly evolving markets, with WhatsApp serving as a critical gateway for European consumers. Meta must comply with the order by next week, reinstating the terms that allowed third-party AI assistants to integrate with WhatsApp’s business features without cost. The measure will remain in effect until the European Commission concludes its ongoing antitrust investigation into the company. EU competition chief Teresa Ribera emphasized the urgency, stating that competition in digital markets can be lost before final decisions are made. The order highlights concerns over Meta’s control over WhatsApp’s API, which has limited access for developers and competitors since the restrictions were introduced. The EU’s action marks a rare intervention in tech antitrust enforcement, signaling a push to ensure fair access to digital platforms. The investigation will assess whether Meta’s actions violate competition rules, potentially leading to further regulatory actions if abuses are found. The decision underscores growing scrutiny of big tech companies over their market dominance and impact on innovation. While Meta has not yet commented on the order, the company will need to adjust its policies to comply with the EU’s demands. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how digital platforms regulate third-party access in the future.