The European Commission has mandated that Meta restore free access to WhatsApp for chatbots developed by competing AI providers while it conducts an antitrust investigation. This interim measure, announced on June 10, 2026, is intended to prevent significant harm to competition in the general-purpose AI assistant market. This action marks only the second use of the EU's emergency powers in over two decades, following a formal investigation initiated in December 2025 regarding Meta's potential abuse of market dominance by prohibiting third-party AI chatbots from its WhatsApp platform.
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European Commission Orders Meta to Allow Free Access for Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp
The European Commission has ordered Meta to allow free access to WhatsApp for rival AI chatbots during an ongoing antitrust investigation. This decision is aimed at preventing damage to competition in the AI assistant market and is only the second use of the EU's emergency powers in 20 years.
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WhatsApp ordered to host rival AI assistants for free
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European Commission Orders Meta to Allow Free Access for Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp
