Italy Orders Meta to Suspend WhatsApp Terms That Could Exclude Rival AI Chatbots

Reuters

Teenagers pose for a photo while holding smartphones in front of a Whatsapp logo in this illustration taken 11 September 2025.

Italy’s antitrust authority has ordered Meta Platforms to suspend contractual terms that could prevent rival artificial intelligence chatbots from operating on WhatsApp, as it investigates the US technology group for suspected abuse of a dominant market position.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) said Meta’s conduct appeared capable of restricting “output, market access or technical development in the AI chatbot services market”, potentially to the detriment of consumers.

Meta described the decision as “fundamentally flawed”. A company spokesperson said the rapid emergence of AI chatbots had placed “significant strain on systems that were not designed to support them”, adding: “We will appeal.”

The move is the latest in a series of actions by European regulators against major technology firms, as the European Union seeks to balance support for innovation with efforts to curb the growing influence of so-called Big Tech companies.

The AGCM opened its investigation into Meta in July, focusing on the suspected abuse of a dominant position linked to WhatsApp. The probe was expanded in November to include updated contractual terms governing the messaging platform’s business services.

“These contractual conditions completely exclude Meta AI’s competitors in the AI chatbot services market from the WhatsApp platform,” the watchdog said.

Last month, EU antitrust authorities launched a parallel investigation into Meta over the same allegations.

Europe’s tougher regulatory approach — in contrast to the more permissive framework in the United States — has prompted resistance from the technology industry, particularly from US-based firms, and has drawn criticism from the administration of US President Donald Trump.

The Italian watchdog said it was working closely with the European Commission to ensure that Meta’s conduct is addressed “in the most effective manner”.

Source: Reuters



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