European Union antitrust regulators have ordered Meta Platforms to restore free access to its WhatsApp platform for rival general purpose AI assistants and chatbot makers. The European Commission has mandated that Meta grant this access within five working days.
The order was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into whether Meta abused its market power by blocking competitors from the messaging app, including its service for businesses. According to the Commission, these interim measures are necessary to prevent serious and irreparable damage to competition in the AI assistant market.
Meta has accused the EU of regulatory overreach, claiming the decision will allow tech giants such as OpenAI free access to WhatsApp. While Meta has stated it will appeal the order, the European Commission warned it can impose a fine of up to 10% of the company's total turnover from the preceding business year if Meta intentionally or negligently contravenes the decision.
Separately, Brussels has hit back at Apple after the company blamed the EU's Digital Marketing Act for its decision to delay the rollout of its new Siri AI in Europe.