EU Orders Meta to Restore Free WhatsApp Access for Rival AI Bots

Meta must restore free WhatsApp access to rival AI chatbots while European regulators complete an antitrust investigation into the company's messaging platform practices. The European Commission announced the interim measure Tuesday, marking only the second time in more than two decades the regulator has invoked this emergency authority.

The order requires Meta to reinstate third-party AI assistant access under the same terms that existed before the company banned competing chatbots—specifically, at no cost to AI providers. Meta has until June 15th to comply.

Why it matters

The Commission's use of emergency interim measures signals how seriously European regulators view Meta's conduct in the nascent AI assistant market. By forcing immediate action before the investigation concludes, the EU aims to prevent competitive harm that could become irreversible in a fast-moving technology sector. The decision establishes a precedent for how platform gatekeepers must treat AI services seeking consumer access through messaging apps.

Background of the investigation

The European Commission launched a formal investigation in December 2025 examining whether Meta abused its market dominance by blocking third-party AI chatbots from WhatsApp. According to The Verge, which first reported the details, Meta briefly restored chatbot access in March but began charging fees—a move regulators apparently viewed as violating EU competition rules.

The Commission determined that interim measures were necessary "to prevent serious and irreparable damage to competition" in the general-purpose AI assistant market, according to the official statement.

Regulator's rationale

European competition commissioner Teresa Ribera explained the urgency behind the decision: "In rapidly evolving markets, competition can be lost long before a final decision is adopted. This is why these interim measures will remain in place for the duration of the investigation, in order to prevent harm that would be almost impossible to repair."

Ribera emphasized that the measures aim to "safeguard competition in the growing market for AI assistants, by preserving a key entry point to reach consumers in Europe—WhatsApp—and allowing AI companies to innovate, scale up and reach their full potential."

What happens next

The interim order remains in effect throughout the investigation's duration. The broader antitrust probe continues with no announced timeline for a final legal conclusion. Meta faces the immediate June 15th deadline to restore free access for competing AI chatbots on its WhatsApp platform.

The case represents a significant test of how competition law applies to AI services distribution, particularly when established platform operators control major consumer access points. The outcome could influence how other messaging platforms and technology companies approach third-party AI integration.

These details were first reported by The Verge.