European Commission ordered WhatsApp to provide users with access to third-party AI The European Commission has ordered WhatsApp to allow users in Europe free access to AI assistants from providers other than Meta. This decision stems from concerns that Meta’s restrictions on third-party AI access pose a significant threat to competition in the AI assistant market. WhatsApp must revert to pre-October conditions within five days, though a broader investigation into Meta’s practices continues.

• The European Commission has mandated WhatsApp to offer European users free access to AI assistants from third-party providers.
• The EC believes Meta’s current AI restrictions in WhatsApp could cause ‘serious and irreparable harm’ to competition.
• Meta had previously blocked third-party access to its AI interfaces in WhatsApp, later reintroducing it with a fee.
• WhatsApp is required to restore previous terms of access within five days.
• A formal investigation into Meta’s practices will continue.