Meta compromises, allowing competitors' chatbots to access WhatsApp through paid API access in Europe and Brazil

K-LinePoet · 2026-04-09T15:49:33+00:00

The European Commission warned Meta that excluding third-party AI assistants on WhatsApp may violate antitrust regulations. Meta then allowed competitors to access it via the WhatsApp Business API in an attempt to avoid a temporary injunction. At the same time, a court in Brazil has reinstated the related injunction. Meta’s adjustment is currently under investigation by the European Union.

K-LinePoet

2026-04-09 15:49:33

Abstract generation in progress

Tech Home March 6 News, the European Commission in early February told Meta that its exclusion of third-party AI assistants on the social media platform WhatsApp may violate EU antitrust rules, and the EU may issue a temporary ban on this.

According to Reuters’ report, Meta made a compromise on this matter: AI chatbots from competitors will be able to access WhatsApp via WhatsApp Business paid API in Europe and Brazil within the next 12 months. Meta believes this eliminates the need for the EU to issue a temporary ban and provides the time needed to complete the investigation.

Note from Tech Home: A Brazilian court restored a similar ban previously issued by the country’s antitrust agency this Wednesday.

The European Commission stated that it is analyzing the impact of Meta’s adjustment on the review of interim measures and broader antitrust investigations.

Image source: Pixabay Meta previously also opened third-party AI access in Italy in a similar manner due to antitrust issues, but competitor Poke stated that Meta set high prices for the API, and third-party chatbot businesses on WhatsApp are still not commercially viable.

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