According to CNBC, the European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Meta on Thursday. The probe specifically targets Meta’s new policy governing how third-party AI providers can access user data and integrate with WhatsApp. Brussels is concerned this policy may breach EU competition rules, particularly the Digital Markets Act which designates Meta as a “gatekeeper.” A WhatsApp spokesperson immediately called the claims “baseless,” arguing the app’s API wasn’t built for AI chatbots and that the AI space remains highly competitive through various channels like app stores and search engines. This marks another significant regulatory challenge for a US tech giant in Europe.
Meta vs. The Machine
Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about data privacy anymore. It’s about control over the pipes. The EU is basically asking if Meta, by setting the terms for AI access to WhatsApp‘s massive user network, is unfairly deciding who gets to play in the next big tech sandbox. And they have a point. If you’re a small AI startup, getting integrated into a messaging app used by billions is a huge deal. But if the gatekeeper—Meta—gets to write all the rules, that’s a potential competition killer.
Meta’s defense is interesting, though. Saying their API “puts a strain on our systems” sounds a lot like, “We didn’t build this for that, and we don’t want to support it.” But that’s a technical argument, not a legal one. The real question the EU will ask is: Are these technical limitations genuine, or are they just a convenient way to keep control? I think the regulators are looking at this as a preemptive strike. They want to set the rules for AI integration before it becomes the default way we interact with services, not after.
Winners, Losers, and Chatbots
So who wins if the EU comes down hard on Meta? Potentially, every other AI company not named OpenAI or Google. A ruling that forces more open or standardized access could be a massive boon for smaller players. Imagine a future where you can easily summon a dozen different AI assistants within WhatsApp, all competing on price and features. That’s the EU’s dream scenario.
But the loser, in the short term, might be innovation speed within WhatsApp itself. Heavy regulation often bogs down development. And let’s be honest, Meta probably wants to funnel everyone toward its own AI, like Meta AI. That’s the natural inclination for any platform owner. This probe forces them to at least consider playing nice with others. The market impact is all about future pricing and access. If the EU succeeds, AI service costs could drop due to competition, and integration paths could multiply. If Meta wins, they maintain a powerful moat around one of the world’s largest communication networks. This is a foundational fight for how AI gets woven into our daily digital lives.
