European regulators are escalating a high-stakes showdown with Meta Platforms, the U.S. tech giant behind WhatsApp, over alleged anti-competitive practices in the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) economy. On February 9, 2026, the European Commission formally charged Meta with breaching EU antitrust laws by restricting access to WhatsApp for competing AI services, and signalled it could impose interim measures to preserve competition while the investigation continues.
At the heart of the dispute is a policy change Meta implemented on January 15, 2026, which limits AI assistants available on WhatsApp to Meta’s own AI tool — effectively blocking rival AI chatbots from operating through the platform’s WhatsApp Business API. European regulators argue this could stifle competition in a rapidly expanding market where AI services are becoming integral to how consumers communicate and interact online.
The European Commission’s antitrust action — formalised through a statement of objections — reflects the view that Meta may be abusing its dominant position in the messaging ecosystem. Regulators believe the exclusion of third-party AI tools risks “serious and irreparable harm” to competition unless temporary protections are put in place before any final ruling. These interim measures, if imposed, could force Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI assistants while the full investigation proceeds.
The move is part of a broader regulatory push in Europe to ensure that fast-growing digital markets remain open and competitive, particularly as AI technologies gain economic and social importance. Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera emphasised the need to protect innovation and ensure that dominant tech players don’t use their market power to disadvantage emerging rivals.
Meta has responded strongly to the EU’s antitrust actions, dismissing the need for regulatory interference. The company argues that WhatsApp’s AI policy does not significantly harm competition because users can access multiple AI options through app stores, devices, websites, and other platforms. Meta has also contested the EU’s assumption that the WhatsApp Business API is a “key distribution channel” critical for rival AI assistants.
However, EU regulators maintain that WhatsApp’s massive user base — more than 2 billion global users — makes it a central distribution point for any digital innovation connecting users and AI services. They warn that blocking access for third-party AI could unfairly tip the balance in favour of Meta’s proprietary tools, limiting choice for both users and developers.
This development follows similar regulatory scrutiny in other jurisdictions, such as Italy’s antitrust authority and actions in Brazil, where courts have also examined whether Meta’s policies unfairly restrict competition — though some measures were temporarily suspended. The coordinated international attention highlights the growing focus on how major platforms wield power in markets that blend social platforms, messaging services, and AI technologies.
Industry observers note that this dispute has implications far beyond messaging apps. As AI becomes embedded in more digital services — from search to ecommerce and productivity tools — regulators around the world are increasingly vigilant about ensuring that dominant players don’t lock out competitors. The outcome of the EU’s action against Meta could set a precedent for how AI competition is governed in the years ahead.
The European Commission has stated that whether interim measures are imposed will depend on Meta’s response to the charges and its rights of defence under EU law. Meta now has an opportunity to address the regulator’s concerns, propose changes, or face potential mandated access requirements while the full investigation proceeds.
As this regulatory clash unfolds, it underscores the tension between innovation leadership and competitive fairness in digital markets. With AI at the core of future technology strategies for many companies, how regulatory frameworks adapt will influence not just Meta and WhatsApp, but the broader ecosystem of AI developers, platforms, and users worldwide.