EU antitrust investigation into WhatsApp over service's artificial intelligence policy

WhatsApp faces an antitrust investigation in the European Union, after regulators said today they are reviewing the messaging service's artificial intelligence policy, according to the AP.

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation due to concerns over WhatsApp's decision to restrict access to third-party artificial intelligence providers.

WhatsApp, owned by Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms, launched its artificial intelligence chatbot feature for European Union users in March after several delays.

The commission, which is the bloc's executive arm, said a recent policy update could mean rival artificial intelligence companies are blocked from offering their own AI assistants on the platform, while Meta's chatbot service remains accessible to users.

Regulators are reviewing new terms and conditions for business customers, who can use artificial intelligence assistants to communicate with customers via WhatsApp.

Teresa Ribera, the vice-president of the commission that oversees competition issues, said the bloc seeks to prevent big tech companies from eliminating innovative competitors.

"That's why we are investigating whether Meta's new policy may be illegal under competition rules and whether we should act quickly to prevent any potential irreparable harm to competition in the AI ​​space," she said in a press release.

"The Commission's claims are unfounded," WhatsApp said in a statement.

The investigation will cover all 27 EU countries, except Italy, where authorities have already opened their own separate investigation. 

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