WhatsApp AI Policy Faces Scrutiny

Italy's competition authority has broadened its investigation into WhatsApp, focusing on the company's AI integration and recently introduced policies. The regulator is examining whether Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is abusing its market dominance by potentially hindering rival AI chatbot services. The probe includes the new WhatsApp Business Solution Terms that came into effect in October, as well as the integration of Meta's AI features within the messaging platform.

The Italian regulator is concerned that these changes could restrict market access and limit technical development in the AI chatbot sector. They also have the power to impose interim measures during the investigation. The initial investigation began in July, prompted by concerns that Meta was embedding its AI assistant into WhatsApp without proper user consent, potentially violating EU competition rules.

Meta has stated its cooperation with the investigation, asserting that its AI features provide valuable options for users. However, the authority is worried that Meta might be leveraging WhatsApp's user base to unfairly promote its AI services, thereby undermining competitors.