Meta Platforms announced it will let rival artificial intelligence chatbots use WhatsApp Business API tool for talking to users in European Union free for one month as company attempts to avoid potential fine from bloc’s antitrust regulator. The move came after European Commission indicated last month it was inclined to order Meta to provide rival AI chatbots access to WhatsApp.
Meta introduced policy on January 15 allowing only its Meta AI assistant on WhatsApp before subsequently amending it in March saying rivals could use social messaging app for fee. That triggered second charge sheet from EU watchdog. Meta spokesperson stated general-purpose AI chatbots operating in European Economic Area will receive free access to WhatsApp Business API for one month as part of ongoing discussions.
The EU case followed complaint by The Interaction Company of California, developer of Poke.com AI assistant and Spanish competitor. Poke.com co-founder Marvin von Hagen wrote average cost per user went from $0.13 to $11.04 just for WhatsApp API questioning how this allows fair competition.
If Meta resolves concerns, company would avert finding of wrongdoing and possible fine of up to 10% of annual global turnover. Italy’s competition authority intervened against Meta’s planned ban on third-party AI chatbots using WhatsApp in December 2025 warning it could damage competition in AI market. European Commission also objected to restrictions in February 2026 saying Meta’s actions could marginalize smaller AI rivals.
Meta argued third-party AI bots have sharply increased message volumes on WhatsApp and strained infrastructure built mainly for customer support and business updates. Company also stated it did not have pricing system for AI chatbot providers at time. The temporary offer may help reduce immediate regulatory tension but Meta could still face pressure to implement longer-term changes.
