The European Commission has mandated that Meta open access to the WhatsApp platform for competing artificial intelligence services. The decision is made during an antitrust investigation that could determine future rules for AI services on the largest digital platforms in Europe.
The European Commission has intensified pressure on Meta as part of an investigation into possible competition rule violations. On Tuesday, the regulator demanded that the company provide competing AI chatbots with free access to the WhatsApp platform within five working days.
The decision will remain in effect until the official investigation, initiated by the European Commission at the end of last year, is completed.
The investigation was prompted by restrictions that Meta imposed on developers of artificial intelligence services. In October, the company announced that it would not allow AI service providers to use WhatsApp for customer communication if artificial intelligence is their main product.
Brussels suspects that such restrictions may create unequal conditions in the market and hinder competition development.
European Commissioner for Competition Teresa Ribera stated that the regulator requires the restoration of access for alternative AI assistants to WhatsApp during the investigation. According to her, this will allow users to choose which AI services to use within one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world.
For ordinary users, the decision may mean the emergence of more AI assistants and services directly within WhatsApp, rather than just solutions related to Meta itself.
The conflict between the company and European regulators has been developing for several months. In February, the European Commission warned Meta about the possibility of introducing temporary measures if access for competitors was not restored.
Later, the company attempted to resolve the issue by introducing paid access for third-party developers. However, in April, the European Commission deemed this option insufficient and demanded a more open approach.
This dispute goes far beyond a single messenger. It essentially concerns whether large digital platforms can restrict access for competing AI services to their audience or will be required to ensure equal conditions for all market participants.
The results of the investigation could set an important precedent for the entire European artificial intelligence and digital platform industry.
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