Meta Investigated for Banning ChatGPT and AIs on WhatsApp

Meta is facing an antitrust investigation by the European Union (EU) over its restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence tools on WhatsApp. The initiation of the process was announced on Thursday, October 4, with company representatives stating that the allegations are "unfounded".

In October, Meta announced the ban on the use of ChatGPT and other AIs on the app, aiming to prioritize its own intelligence solution, Meta AI. This restriction will become effective in January 2026, but will not affect bots intended for customer service.

What Does the Investigation Involve?

According to the European Commission, Meta's new policy could violate competition rules by restricting third-party tools on WhatsApp. This limitation could harm competitors' access to the same market.

• The Commission argues that the restriction prevents competing AI providers from reaching their customers through WhatsApp;
• If the suspicion is confirmed, Meta could be violating rules that prohibit abuses of dominant position;
• The investigation will be a high priority, but there is no set timeframe for its conclusion, similar to previous investigations that took years;
• If confirmed, the violation could result in Meta being fined up to 10% of its annual revenue.

The opening of the investigation was prompted by complaints from companies affected by the ban, including a Spanish startup responsible for the AI Luzia and the Interaction Company of California, according to Reuters.

Teresa Ribera, spokesperson for the European Commission, stated: "AI markets are expanding in Europe and other regions. We need to ensure that citizens and businesses can benefit from this technological revolution while protecting competition."

Meta's Response to the Accusation

In an interview with CNBC, a WhatsApp spokesperson classified the complaints as "unfounded," emphasizing that the messenger's API does not support the high demand for AI bots, which have overloaded the system.

The spokesperson also noted that the AI market is highly competitive, with customers having access to a variety of services through apps, search engines, and partnerships.

Meta is already under investigation in Italy for similar allegations related to the integration of Meta AI with WhatsApp, with action initiated in July.

This situation raises concerns about the regulation of the tech market, especially regarding dominant companies' abilities to favor their own solutions over competition. In the future, such investigations could shape how large companies operate in emerging markets, such as artificial intelligence.