After WhatsApp changed its rules to block rival AI bots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT (and Microsoft’s Copilot), the European Commission opened an antitrust investigation into Meta.
A WhatsApp policy update has created a problem that prevents AI providers from utilizing the platform’s Business API (the WhatsApp Business Solution), to make their AI technology the primary service offered. When AI is incidental or ancillary to a service, it is allowed. However, “providing, delivering, offering, selling, or otherwise making available” when AI is the primary functionality being offered via the WhatsApp Business Solution, such technologies are prohibited.
Update made in October 2025 will apply to AI service providers on the platform as of January 15, 2026.
This has led to a mass exodus of AI providers. OpenAI pointed users to the ChatGPT application on October 21noting that over 50 million users have used ChatGPT via WhatsApp. “We would have much preferred to continue serving you on WhatsApp,” referred to the cash bonfire before blaming policy and terms changes for the move. Microsoft followed suit in November. It said thatand “Copilot on WhatsApp has helped millions of people connect with their AI companion in a familiar, everyday setting,” were needed, but a transition would be necessary due to WhatsApp’s new policy.
In a press statement, the EC stated that “As a result of the new policy, competing AI providers may be blocked from reaching their customers through WhatsApp. On the other hand, Meta’s own AI service ‘Meta AI’ would remain accessible to users on the platform.”
WhatsApp’s spokesperson told the Register. “The claims are baseless.”
She went on to say that the company was not equipped to handle the load that AI chatbots would place on their systems through the Business API. CISA warns that spyware crews are breaking in to Signal and WhatsApp accounts. It could be an.EXE.
This is something the EC will decide. Teresa Ribera, EC’s Executive VP for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, confirmed that the AI market is indeed booming. She did not say “We must ensure European citizens and businesses can benefit fully from this technological revolution and act to prevent dominant digital incumbents from abusing their power to crowd out innovative competitors,” in the EC release.
Given WhatsApp’s size and its impact on rival AI providers, the opening of the investigation was not surprising. The change prevents third-party AI providers offering general-purpose bots through WhatsApp Business Solution. Meta AI is the only general-purpose assistant on the platform.
In an effort to curb the excesses by the tech giants the EU has been working. This prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten retaliatory duties on any nation who dared to regulate US tech companies.
Trump is yet to comment on EC’s WhatsApp message via his usual social media outlets. (r)
