EU opens antitrust investigation against Meta for implementing AI in WhatsApp

The European Union (EU) is set to open a new investigation into Meta Platforms regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) features in the WhatsApp messaging app, according to the Financial Times.

Meta AI has been available on WhatsApp across European markets since March, automating messages and chats. However, the EU is concerned that this move could potentially undermine market competition.

Italy’s antitrust authority also launched an investigation in July, examining whether Meta abused its dominant position by blocking rival AI chatbots from the platform. Meta has stated that it has not received official notification of the probe. The European Commission is expected to make an official announcement in the coming days.

Experts note that the investigation will be conducted under traditional antitrust rules and is not connected to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.