- The European Commission launches an in-depth investigation into
- WhatsApp's AI policy could prevent AI chatbots from competing
- Meta faces a fine of $16.5 billion.
The European Commission has launched official antitrust investigation into Meta regarding whether its whatsapp AI policies limit competition by blocking competing AI chatbot providers.
Europe's case covers most of the bloc, with the exception of Italy, which has separately launched its own investigation.
According to Meta's updated WhatsApp Business API terms, third-party AI chatbots are prohibited from being distributed through WhatsApp if providing AI is their core service.
WhatsApp's Artificial Intelligence Policy Raises European Commission Concerns
The EU is concerned that Meta could abuse its market dominance to favor its own Meta AI over competitors. Some developers have already filed complaints, arguing that the policy harms competition and innovation.
OpenAI and Microsoft they have already had to remove their chatbots from the platform following the introduction of revised terms and conditions updated in October.
“AI markets are booming in Europe and beyond. We must ensure that European citizens and businesses can fully benefit from this technological revolution, and act to prevent dominant digital players from abusing their power to drive out innovative competitors,” wrote Teresa Ribera, the EU's executive vice-president for the transition to clean, fair and competition.
The investigation may result in interim measures, suspending Meta's policies until a final decision is made. If Meta is found guilty, it could face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue, or $16.5 billion, based on its 2024 earnings.
The company has already found himself in trouble in the EU, receiving a €200 million fine under the Digital Markets Act.
“The introduction of AI chatbots into our Business API puts stress on our systems that they were not designed to support,” a Meta spokesperson said, calling the allegations “baseless.”
“Even so, the AI space is highly competitive and people have access to the services of their choice in a variety of ways, including app stores, search engines, email services, partner integrations, etc. operating systems“
The European Commission promises to carry out an “in-depth investigation as a matter of priority”.
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