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Why is Meta blocking third-party AI apps on WhatsApp and is it legal?
You need to understand the implications of the European Commission’s latest antitrust investigation into Meta. This probe targets a specific policy shift within WhatsApp that could reshape how you access AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The central issue involves whether Meta is leveraging its market dominance to stifle competition in the burgeoning AI sector.
The Policy Shift and Market Impact
Meta has updated the terms for its WhatsApp Business API. Effective January 15, 2026, these new rules prohibit third-party AI companies from distributing their services through the messaging platform. While businesses may still utilize AI for ancillary tasks—such as automated customer support—independent AI services face a comprehensive ban.
The immediate consequence is significant. Major providers, including OpenAI and Microsoft, have confirmed that ChatGPT and Copilot will cease operations on WhatsApp. This forces you to switch platforms to access these tools, breaking the convenience of having them integrated into your primary messaging app.
Analyzing the Anti-Competitive Concerns
The European Commission suspects this policy distorts fair competition. The core concern lies in preferential treatment. By blocking rivals from the Business API, Meta effectively removes competition for its proprietary service, “Meta AI,” which remains accessible and integrated within the app.
Regulators argue that this creates a “walled garden.” If competing AI providers cannot reach customers through the world’s most popular messaging channel, Meta AI gains an artificial advantage unrelated to product quality.
Meta’s Defense: Technical Limitations
Meta rejects the notion of anti-competitive intent. A company spokesperson stated that the restriction stems from technical necessity rather than malice. According to Meta, the WhatsApp Business API was not designed to support the high volume of traffic generated by general-purpose AI chatbots, putting a strain on their infrastructure.
However, from a strategic standpoint, this defense faces scrutiny. Critics argue that infrastructure costs are usually managed through pricing models rather than outright bans. Implementing a fee structure for high-bandwidth AI services could resolve technical strain while maintaining open competition.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation covers the European Economic Area (EEA). However, it excludes Italy. This specific exclusion exists because the Italian Competition Authority is already conducting a separate proceeding regarding Meta’s conduct. This avoids regulatory overlap but highlights that scrutiny of Meta is intensifying across multiple jurisdictions.
The Broader Risk of Platform Centralization
This situation underscores the vulnerability of relying on centralized platforms. WhatsApp has effectively replaced SMS for billions of users, creating a high barrier to entry for secure competitors like Signal. When a single entity controls the primary infrastructure for daily communication, it dictates which technologies survive within that ecosystem. You should monitor this case closely, as the outcome will determine whether dominant platforms must remain neutral carriers for emerging technologies.