The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Meta’s new WhatsApp policy, scrutinising whether it unfairly favours Meta’s own AI services and potentially stifles competition in the EU’s growing AI and messaging market.
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust probe into Meta Platforms over a new WhatsApp policy that appears to bar third‑party artificial‑intelligence providers from using the app’s business tools, while allowing Meta’s own Meta AI to operate on the platform. Announced on 4 December 2025, the investigation will examine whether the policy unlawfully favours Meta and breaches Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. [1][4][3]
Commission officials are particularly concerned that the change , which, from January, would prevent external AI chatbots from contacting users via WhatsApp’s business APIs , could foreclose competition in conversational AI and business messaging, harming innovation for EU consumers and companies. The probe spans the EU’s 27 member states, with Italy conducting a parallel national inquiry. [1][3][4][7]
Meta has defended the restrictions as necessary to protect user privacy and platform security, arguing that WhatsApp was not designed for open chatbot deployment and that opening access could expose users to risks. Industry critics and smaller AI firms counter that those justifications amount to self‑preferencing that entrenches Meta’s position. The Commission will weigh those competing claims as part of its review. [1][3][6]
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera has signalled the Commission is prepared to act swiftly if needed; officials are considering interim measures that could temporarily suspend Meta’s policy while the investigation proceeds. Such orders would be aimed at preventing immediate harm to competition and to businesses that rely on AI integrations. [5][4]
The case sits within a broader intensification of EU scrutiny of Big Tech under the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, and follows a series of high‑profile fines and probes targeting large US platforms. Brussels’ enforcement push has persisted despite diplomatic pressure from the United States, underscoring the bloc’s determination to police gatekeeper behaviour. [2][6]
Regulators will also probe how Meta uses WhatsApp data to train and deploy its AI features, a line of inquiry that could overlap with data‑protection rules and heighten the stakes of any finding of abuse. If the Commission finds an infringement, penalties can reach up to 10% of global turnover and could force changes to API access and integration practices. [1][4][3]
Market participants say the outcome could reshape how messaging platforms and AI providers interoperate. Mandated access could open new routes to market for European AI startups and established providers alike, while a favourable finding for Meta could solidify platform owners’ ability to bundle proprietary AI services with dominant communication tools. [1][7][4]
The investigation is likely to be hard‑fought: Meta has a record of contesting EU decisions and appeals could prolong the process. For now, the Commission’s probe is a test of whether Europe’s regulatory framework can ensure open competition in an era when platform control and AI capabilities increasingly determine market dynamics. [1][2][5]
📌 Reference Map:
##Reference Map:
- [1] (WebProNews) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8
- [2] (Reuters) – Paragraph 5, Paragraph 8
- [3] (AP) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 6
- [4] (Reuters) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7
- [5] (Reuters) – Paragraph 4, Paragraph 8
- [6] (El País) – Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- [7] (Reuters) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 7
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the European Commission’s investigation into Meta’s WhatsApp AI policies announced on 4 December 2025. No earlier versions or recycled content were identified. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is original and not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No similar narratives appeared more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera and WhatsApp spokespersons are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from WebProNews, a reputable organisation. However, it relies on a press release, which may limit the depth of analysis. The report is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including Reuters and AP News.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the European Commission’s investigation into Meta’s WhatsApp AI policies are plausible and align with reports from other reputable outlets. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and supported by reputable sources. The quotes are unique, and the claims are plausible and consistent with other reports. Minor concerns include reliance on a press release and lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets.
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