EU objects to Meta’s WhatsApp API restrictions, citing anti-competitive AI access harm.

The European Union has issued a formal statement of objections against Meta, accusing it of abusing its dominant position by restricting third-party AI chatbots from accessing WhatsApp’s business API, a move the EU says harms competition in the AI sector. The Commission warns it may impose urgent interim measures to block the policy, which took effect January 15, 2026, arguing it risks serious and irreversible harm. Meta disputes the claims, asserting users have ample access to AI tools through app stores, devices, and other platforms, and that WhatsApp’s API is not a key distribution channel. The case continues as the EU reviews Meta’s response.