The European Commission opens investigation into Meta after WhatsApp blocks external AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
After Meta changed the WhatsApp policy, AI companies are no longer allowed to use the WhatsApp Business Solution to offer AI chat services. Only applications where AI is supplementary, such as automated customer service, remain permitted. This makes it impossible for providers to deploy a full-fledged chatbot via WhatsApp.
OpenAI reported on October 21 that more than 50 million people were using ChatGPT on WhatsApp, but the service is ending due to the policy change. Microsoft made the same decision for Copilot a month later.
Meta AI remains allowed
The new rules block external AI services, while Meta’s own Meta AI remains available on WhatsApp. According to the European Commission, this could lead to abuse of market power by a dominant player.
WhatsApp calls the allegations “unfounded” and says that the Business API is simply not designed for the heavy load caused by AI chatbots, according to The Register.
Broader conflict between EU and Big Tech
Teresa Ribera, Vice President of the European Commission, emphasizes that citizens and businesses must maintain access to an open and competitive AI market. The US previously responded strongly to European regulation: President Donald Trump threatened