On February 9, 2023, the EU executive compelled Meta to grant rival chatbots access to WhatsApp following an antitrust investigation revealing breaches of competition laws. Meta’s recent policy changes reportedly hindered third-party AI assistants from engaging customers via the platform since January. EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera indicated the possibility of interim measures to ensure competitors retain access during the ongoing probe, preventing harm to competition in Europe. Meta has received a “statement of objections,” allowing it to defend its position against the claims, which it strongly refuted, asserting that alternative AI solutions exist outside WhatsApp. The investigation, focusing on the European Economic Area (EEA) but excluding Italy, highlights the EU’s commitment to curbing Big Tech’s dominance. Meta faces scrutiny not only for WhatsApp but also for its other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, amid broader regulatory challenges under the Digital Markets Act.
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