Meta Opens WhatsApp to Rival AI Chatbots Amid EU Antitrust Scrutiny
Meta Platforms has agreed to allow competing artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to operate on WhatsApp in Europe for the next 12 months, a move designed to address regulatory concerns raised by the European Commission. The decision comes after the Commission investigated Meta’s policy of restricting third-party AI chatbot access to the WhatsApp Business API.
EU Investigation and Initial Restrictions
In December 2025, the European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta’s fresh policy, announced in October 2025, which prohibited AI providers from using the WhatsApp Business Solution when AI was the primary service offered European Commission. The Commission feared this policy would prevent third-party AI providers from offering their services within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Initially, in January 2026, Meta restricted third-party AI helpers from WhatsApp, allowing only its own Meta AI assistant to utilize the service Reuters. This prompted complaints from several AI assistant providers who argued the restriction disrupted their businesses and raised competition concerns Economic Times.
Meta’s Response and Temporary Access
Facing potential interim measures from the European Commission, Meta announced on March 5, 2026, that it would allow general-purpose AI chatbots to apply the WhatsApp Business API in Europe for a period of 12 months Euractiv. A Meta spokesperson stated that the company believes this move removes the need for immediate regulatory intervention, providing the Commission with sufficient time to conclude its ongoing investigation Euractiv.
However, access will not be free. Meta will charge companies for offering chatbots through WhatsApp, with pricing for non-template messages ranging between €0.0490 and €0.1323, depending on the country Economic Times. This pricing model could significantly increase operating costs for third-party developers due to the typically multi-turn nature of conversations with AI assistants.
Ongoing Commission Review
The European Commission has stated it will analyze Meta’s changes and their impact on the ongoing competition case Euractiv. The situation mirrors a similar case in Italy, where an antitrust tribunal previously instructed Meta to allow other AI chatbots to function on WhatsApp.
This new regulation aims to create consistent access across Europe and is also likely to influence outcomes in Brazil, following a similar court ruling in a related antitrust case.