Global social media giant Meta has hit a "brick wall" in the European market again. Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) recently issued an official order requiring Meta to immediately suspend its new policy of banning third-party AI chatbots from accessing its WhatsApp business platform. The regulatory body believes this approach is suspected of abusing its market dominance and hindering fair competition in the AI market.

The focus of this dispute stems from a policy change planned by Meta to take effect in January 2026. This policy states that third-party general AI robots (such as ChatGPT or Claude) will no longer be able to provide services through the WhatsApp business interface (API). Italian regulators pointed out that due to WhatsApp's dominant position in the instant messaging field, this blocking behavior may limit technological innovation and deprive consumers of the right to choose different AI services within their commonly used applications.

Facing criticism, Meta argued that WhatsApp is not an "app store," and its API is not designed for large-scale distribution of third-party AI. Too much traffic could place a huge burden on the system. Meta emphasized that AI companies should find users through their own websites or mobile app stores, rather than relying on WhatsApp's business platform.

Currently, besides the strong action taken by the Italian government, the European Commission has also launched an investigation into this policy. At a time when AI computing power and applications are booming, how social media giants balance the interests between their own AI products and open ecosystems has become a core issue in global antitrust regulation.

Key points:

  • 🚫 Stopping the ban policy: Italian regulatory authorities have forced Meta to suspend its plan to prohibit third-party AI access to WhatsApp, preventing it from engaging in unfair competition using its platform advantage.

  • ⚖️ Allegations of abuse of dominance: Authorities believe Meta's actions may harm consumer interests and limit technological progress and access opportunities in the AI chatbot market.

  • 🏛️ Multiplying pressures: Meta plans to appeal and denies any violations, but it is also facing pressure from the European Commission's antitrust investigation.