The European Commission on Tuesday ordered Meta to restore free access to WhatsApp for competing artificial intelligence assistants, using emergency powers rarely invoked in EU antitrust cases.
The interim measure will remain in effect while regulators continue their investigation into whether Meta unfairly restricted rivals' access to the messaging platform.
Under the order, Meta must reinstate the conditions that existed before October 2025, when rival AI assistants were able to use WhatsApp's business tools free of charge. The company has until next week to comply.
EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera said immediate action was necessary because competition in fast-moving technology markets can be damaged before regulators reach a final decision. She described WhatsApp as a crucial gateway to millions of European users.
The dispute began after Meta restricted access to WhatsApp's business interface last October. Although the company lifted the ban in March, it introduced fees for rival AI providers seeking to reconnect to the platform.
EU regulators argued that the new charges effectively shut out competitors and justified emergency intervention. It marks only the second time in more than 20 years that the European Commission has imposed interim measures in a competition case.
Meta strongly criticized the decision and said it would appeal. The company argued that WhatsApp's business platform was not designed for AI chatbots and that competitors have other ways to reach users.
"The European Commission has decided that OpenAI and some of the largest companies in the world can use the paid-for WhatsApp Business product for free," a Meta spokesperson said. "We will appeal."
The ruling adds to ongoing tensions between Meta and EU regulators. The company is already challenging a €200 million fine imposed under the bloc's digital competition rules.
Similar investigations have also been launched in Italy and Brazil. Brazilian authorities ordered Meta to restore access in March, while Italy recently merged its probe with the EU investigation.
Meta could face fines of up to 10 percent of its annual global revenue if it fails to comply with the order. The broader antitrust investigation remains ongoing, with no timeline set for a final decision.
Source: AFP/ Politico
