LOC13:20
10:20 GMT
BRUSSELS, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- The European Commission on Monday informed Meta Platforms, the US technology company, that it may face interim measures for potentially breaching EU competition rules after excluding third-party AI assistants from accessing and interacting with WhatsApp users.
The Commission explained that since January 15, 2026, only Meta's own AI assistant has been allowed on the WhatsApp platform, effectively preventing competitors from participating in the rapidly expanding market for general-purpose AI assistants and limiting consumer choice.
Meta had announced an update to its WhatsApp Business Solution Terms on October 15, 2025, which led to the exclusion of rival AI assistants, a move that the Commission considers could hinder competitors from entering or expanding within this market.
The European Commission added that its Statement of Objections outlines the preliminary view that Meta's conduct appears to violate EU antitrust rules, and the final decision on interim measures will depend on Meta's response and defense rights.
Meta's products include social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, online advertising services, virtual and augmented reality tools, as well as its general-purpose AI assistant Meta AI, the company emphasized. (end)
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