EU Initiates Antitrust Probe into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Chatbot Integration

The European Commission is poised to launch an antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence features within its WhatsApp messaging service. According to information from sources familiar with the matter, the probe will examine how Meta has embedded its AI-powered chatbot and virtual assistant, known as Meta AI, into WhatsApp since March 2025.

The regulatory inquiry is expected to be officially announced in the near future. The investigation aims to assess whether Meta's approach to rolling out these AI functionalities may have created barriers for third-party developers or limited the development and availability of competing products within the digital communications space.

Meta's expansion of AI tools within WhatsApp has attracted attention from regulators across Europe. Italian competition authorities had previously broadened their investigation into Meta, scrutinizing the company's updated terms of service and the addition of new AI-driven features in the messaging platform. Concerns have been raised that Meta's actions might restrict access for external developers and create obstacles for the emergence of alternative services.

The Italian watchdog, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), initiated its inquiry in July 2025, citing the potential for anti-competitive behavior resulting from Meta's updated business practices. The AGCM argued that limitations imposed on third-party providers could hamper innovation and reduce consumer choice in the fast-evolving field of AI-powered digital communication.

This growing regulatory scrutiny follows a period of rapid technological advancement, as major technology firms race to develop and deploy AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants across their platforms. Meta's introduction of Meta AI within WhatsApp is part of a broader industry trend, with tech companies seeking to enhance user experience and streamline communication through machine learning and natural language processing technologies.

However, the integration of such sophisticated AI tools has prompted concerns about competition, data privacy, and market dominance. Regulators across Europe are increasingly focused on ensuring that market leaders do not use their position to stifle competition or prevent new entrants from innovating. The EU's investigation into Meta will consider whether the company's practices align with European competition law and digital market regulations.

At present, neither Meta nor the European Commission has issued formal comments regarding the pending investigation. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for how digital platforms implement AI features and interact with third-party developers in the future.

The increasing involvement of regulatory bodies highlights the complex challenges faced by global technology companies as they navigate the intersection of innovation, competition, and regulatory compliance. The EU's actions reflect a broader commitment to maintaining fair competition and protecting consumer interests in the rapidly changing digital landscape.