Italian Regulators Order WhatsApp to Open Platform to Rival AI Chatbots
Italian antitrust authorities have issued an interim order requiring Meta's WhatsApp to maintain access for competing AI chatbot services. The MOVE follows concerns that Meta's restrictions on third-party AI tools using WhatsApp's API could distort competition in the emerging AI messaging sector.
The AGCM revealed its ongoing investigation focuses on whether Meta's integration of proprietary services violates competition rules. Regulators suspect the social media giant may be leveraging WhatsApp's dominant position to stifle rival AI developers. Meta contends its API wasn't designed for AI chatbot applications, but authorities remain unconvinced.
This development comes as EU regulators separately examine Meta's October policy change that blocked AI providers from using WhatsApp's business messaging tools. The cases highlight growing regulatory scrutiny of big tech's control over digital infrastructure as AI services proliferate.
