European Union regulators have launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms over concerns that new artificial intelligence policies in WhatsApp may unfairly block rival AI developers, intensifying the bloc’s already stringent oversight of major technology companies.
The probe, confirmed Thursday after earlier reports by Reuters and the Financial Times, adds to a growing list of EU actions targeting Big Tech. Companies including Amazon, Apple and Google have faced heightened scrutiny as the EU seeks to support digital innovation while curbing what it sees as excessive market power.
Regulators will examine Meta’s plan to restrict third-party AI systems from WhatsApp, a shift that is expected to strengthen the position of Meta AI — the company’s own chatbot and virtual assistant integrated into the messaging app earlier this year. The European Commission said the policy, set to take full effect on 15 January 2026, may cut off competing AI providers from millions of users who rely on the platform.
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said the investigation aims to prevent dominant companies from using their position to limit competition in fast-developing AI markets. She noted that interim measures could be imposed to halt Meta’s planned rollout if regulators believe the changes risk causing lasting harm to rivals.
“AI markets are booming in Europe and globally,” Ribera said. “We are looking at whether Meta’s new policy might break competition rules and whether rapid action is needed to protect the sector from irreparable damage.”
Meta rejected the accusations, saying WhatsApp had seen a surge in chatbot activity that placed “strain on our systems that they were not designed to support.” A spokesperson said users still have multiple paths to access competing AI products, from app stores and operating systems to search engines and email platforms, characterising the EU’s concerns as “baseless”.
The launch of the investigation comes as the EU positions itself as a global leader in technology regulation. This year it became the first jurisdiction to introduce a comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence through its AI Act, which sets standards for transparency, safety and oversight of higher-risk systems.
The Commission said the probe was prompted partly by complaints from smaller AI developers. California-based Interaction Company, which operates the AI assistant Poke.com, has lodged a grievance, while Spanish startup Luzia has also been in contact with EU officials.
Meta AI has been embedded in WhatsApp interfaces across European markets since March, offering users automated responses, search functions and content generation tools. Rival firms argue the new policy could lock them out of a platform used by more than 2 billion people worldwide.
The investigation underscores Europe’s growing willingness to challenge large technology platforms at a time when global competition in AI is accelerating and the balance of power between established firms and emerging developers remains a key regulatory concern.
