The EU just pulled the brakes on Meta’s WhatsApp AI policy. The European Commission (EC) announced temporary measures requiring Meta to restore free access for competing “general-purpose” AI assistants to the WhatsApp Business API within 5 working days. Why it matters: Meta changed its terms in Oct 2025. Starting Jan 15, 2026, AI providers were effectively blocked—directly or indirectly—from accessing WhatsApp Business Solution. That would have sidelined assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity from reaching users via business accounts, leaving mostly Meta’s own Meta AI in play. After the EU opened an antitrust investigation in Dec 2025, Meta “loosens” things—but flips the model. Third-party general-purpose assistants can return, only by paying for access (new fees kicking in Feb 16, 2026). The EC says that still may behave like the earlier restriction: if costs or conditions keep new entrants out, competition won’t truly restart. WhatsApp is seen as a key gateway for AI assistant adoption—especially since this market is still early-stage. If Meta doesn’t comply, fines could reach up to 10% of global annual revenue. Watch what the final ruling does next. #Antitrust #EUCompetition #Meta #WhatsApp #AIRegulation #BusinessAPI
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