Italy's antitrust authority has mandated that Meta suspend its policy restricting companies from deploying AI chatbots via WhatsApp's business tools. The authority is concerned that Meta's policy could stifle competition and limit market access for rival AI chatbot services. Regulators suggest WhatsApp's market dominance grants Meta significant leverage, potentially shaping the AI tools available to users.
The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) initiated its investigation into Meta in July, expanding the probe in November to include updated terms governing WhatsApp's business platform. The updated contractual conditions could exclude Meta AI's competitors from operating on WhatsApp. Meta has criticised the decision, asserting that the surge in AI chatbots has strained systems not designed to support them. Meta plans to appeal the order.
The AGCM aims to prevent potential harm to competition while the investigation proceeds. EU antitrust regulators launched a parallel investigation last month over the same concerns. The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech firms in Europe.
