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Meta offers free WhatsApp access to rival AI chatbots to resolve EU antitrust concerns
Meta said it would give rival AI chatbots free access to WhatsApp for one month while it negotiates with the European Commission on antitrust concerns. The move follows earlier WhatsApp policy changes and aims to avert a potential fine of up to 10% of global turnover.
Why It Matters
If accepted, the approach could set a precedent for how EU regulators manage access obligations for messaging platforms and AI services, affecting competition in the AI and messaging ecosystems.
Timeline
8 Events
May 13, 2026: Article publication
May 13, 2026
Regulatory reporting published the article describing Meta's offer and EU response.
May 13, 2026: MLex reports Meta's move
May 13, 2026
Regulatory news website MLex was first to report on Meta's move.
May 13, 2026: EU welcomes Meta's move
May 13, 2026
The European Commission welcomed the move, stating it creates adequate conditions to discuss commitments that address the Commission's concerns; the window for discussion is short and conditional on Meta's genuine intent.
May 13, 2026: Meta offers free access to WhatsApp Business API for one month to rival AI chatbots
May 13, 2026
As part of ongoing discussions with the European Commission, Meta says general-purpose AI chatbots operating in the EEA will receive free access to the WhatsApp Business API for one month to facilitate resolution of the investigation.
April 2026: European Commission signals inclination to order rival AI chatbot access
April 2026
The European Commission indicates it is inclined to require Meta to provide rival AI chatbots access to WhatsApp.
March 2026: Meta amends policy to allow rival AI chatbots for a fee
March 2026
Meta amends its policy, allowing rival AI chatbots to access WhatsApp for a fee.
January 15, 2026: Meta restricts WhatsApp to Meta AI assistant
January 15, 2026
Meta Platforms introduces a policy on WhatsApp that allows only Meta's own AI assistant to operate on the messaging service.
2026: EU case triggered by complaint from The Interaction Company and a Spanish competitor
2026
The EU antitrust case against Meta was triggered by a complaint from The Interaction Company of California (Poke.com AI) and a Spanish competitor.