Meta Offers Rival AI Chatbots Free Access to WhatsApp During EU Competition Probe
By Edith Hancock
Meta Platforms said it will let rival artificial intelligence chatbots use a WhatsApp tool for talking to users in the European Union for free for one month as the company attempts to avoid a potential fine from the bloc's antitrust regulator.
The announcement comes after the commission--the EU's executive arm--said it plans to order Meta to reverse a policy that effectively bans other AI chatbots from using its WhatsApp messaging platform as it investigates the company over a potential breach of the bloc's antitrust rules.
"As part of ongoing discussions with the European Commission, general purpose AI chatbots operating in the EEA will be given free access to the WhatsApp business API for one month," a spokesperson for the company said late Tuesday. "This will provide the commission and Meta with time to achieve a quick and fair outcome to the investigation."
Meta announced an update of its WhatsApp business terms in 2025 that effectively banned third-party general-purpose AI assistants from using a tool to talk to users on the platform, prompting the commission to open an antitrust investigation into the company in December.
The company had previously offered to let competing AI assistants use its WhatsApp business software for a fee to appease the commission, though officials said they still had concerns and told Meta in April that they intended to legally order the company to reverse its policy while the investigation continues.
A spokesperson for the commission said Meta's offer is a step in the right direction.
"It is equivalent to implementing the measures the commission would intend to impose in a potential interim measures decision," they said. They also said that it gives both the regulator and company time to discuss a potential commitment that could ease the regulator's concerns.
Write to Edith Hancock at edith.hancock@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 13, 2026 06:14 ET (10:14 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
Popular
4 Stocks to Buy for the Long-Term While They’re Still Undervalued
Why This Vanguard ETF Is One of the Best
2 Undervalued Stocks to Buy With Long-Term Growth Ahead
The Market May Be Too Pessimistic About This 4-Star Dividend Stock
United States