Published December 5, 2025 · Updated December 5, 2025
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms over its decision to integrate AI-driven features directly into WhatsApp. Regulators are examining whether Meta’s move unfairly restricts competing AI providers by favouring its own technologies and limiting equal access to messaging platforms.
The investigation marks one of the most significant AI-related antitrust cases in Europe to date — placing Meta’s platform strategy under intense scrutiny as AI becomes core to digital communication.
Key Takeaways
- European Commission launches formal antitrust probe into Meta’s AI integration in WhatsApp.
- Regulators will examine whether Meta’s move restricts competing AI providers from accessing the platform.
- Case could set major precedent for AI competition rules in messaging apps and digital ecosystems.
- Raises questions about platform dominance as AI becomes embedded in consumer communication tools.
- Industry observers expect heightened regulatory pressure on Big Tech AI integrations in Europe.
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Why the EU is investigating Meta
According to Reuters, EU regulators expressed concern that integrating Meta’s proprietary AI into WhatsApp may create unfair advantages, particularly if:
- third-party AI assistants are blocked or deprioritised
- distribution channels on WhatsApp favour Meta’s own services
- competitors lose access to critical messaging ecosystems
- consumers are nudged toward Meta’s AI tools without choice
The announcement follows months of warnings from European watchdogs that AI integrations must not reinforce Big Tech’s existing dominance.
Strategic context & industry impact
This investigation arrives at a pivotal time: messaging apps are becoming gateways for AI assistants, productivity agents and multimodal chatbots.
Control over these platforms could heavily influence which AI providers can reach users.
Key implications:
For AI companies
- Access to platforms like WhatsApp may soon require compliance with new competition rules.
- Startups may gain fairer pathways to distribute AI assistants.
- Larger vendors will face tighter scrutiny when integrating AI into dominant platforms.
For developers
- New API or interoperability frameworks could emerge if regulators mandate openness.
- Potential for more diverse AI integrations inside messaging environments.
For users
- Greater transparency over how AI features are introduced.
- More choice between different AI assistants inside WhatsApp-like apps.
- Reduced risk of being “locked in” to one AI provider.
For Meta
- Possible behavioural remedies or restrictions on AI integration strategy.
- Required documentation for fair treatment of third-party AI tools.
- More oversight from EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulators.
What happens next
The investigation will review technical documentation, internal Meta communications and interoperability pathways within WhatsApp.
If regulators find evidence of anti-competitive conduct, Meta could face:
- fines
- mandatory interoperability
- restrictions on bundling AI features
- transparency requirements regarding AI integration
A final ruling may influence how all major platforms — Apple, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI — integrate AI into messaging and communication tools.
Source
Reuters — EU launches antitrust probe into Meta over AI integration in WhatsApp
(December 2025)
