New Delhi: The European Union has sent a strong signal to Big Tech over control of AI inside messaging apps. On Monday, the European Commission said it may impose interim measures on Meta as it investigates whether WhatsApp unfairly blocks rival AI assistants.
The case has quickly become one of the most closely watched AI and competition probes in Europe.
Why the EU is probing Meta and WhatsApp
The European Commission has sent a formal Statement of Objections to Meta, saying it holds a preliminary view that the company breached EU antitrust rules. The concern is centred on WhatsApp, which the Commission believes is a critical entry point for AI assistants to reach consumers.
The issue dates back to October 2025, when Meta announced updates to its WhatsApp Business Solution Terms. From January 15, 2026, these changes effectively made Meta AI the only general purpose AI assistant available on WhatsApp. Third party AI tools were excluded.
According to the Commission, this move risks blocking competitors from entering or expanding in the fast growing AI assistant market.
Interim measures and the urgency factor
The Commission says AI markets are moving fast, and delays could cause lasting damage. Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said, “We must protect effective competition in this vibrant field, which means we cannot allow dominant tech companies to illegally leverage their dominance to give themselves an unfair advantage.”
She added, “AI markets are developing at rapid pace, so we also need to be swift in our action. That is why we are considering quickly imposing interim measures on Meta, to preserve access for competitors to WhatsApp while the investigation is ongoing, and avoid Meta’s new policy irreparably harming competition in Europe.”
Italy has already acted on its own. The Italian Competition Authority imposed interim measures on Meta in December 2025, and Italy is excluded from the current EU wide scope.
Meta responds as investigation continues
Meta has rejected the claims. A company spokesperson told Reuters, “The facts are that there is no reason for the EU to intervene in the WhatsApp Business API. There are many AI options and people can use them from app stores, operating systems, devices, websites, and industry partnerships.”
The investigation itself began on December 4, 2025, under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Meta now has the right to respond in writing and request a hearing.