EU threatens Meta with temporary ban on blocking AI competitors

EU competition regulators have formally accused Meta Platforms of abusing its dominant position by restricting access to WhatsApp by AI competitors. About this reports Reuters.

On January 15, Meta allowed only its own AI assistant to work in the messenger, blocking third-party chatbots.

This decision provoked a reaction from regulators in several countries: in December, the Italian antitrust authority took action against the company, and in January, the Brazilian one, although a Brazilian court later suspended the interim measure.

"We cannot allow dominant technology companies to illegally use their dominance to gain an unfair advantage," said Teresa Ribera, head of the EU's antitrust committee.

According to her, the Commission is considering the possibility of quickly introducing temporary measures to preserve competitors' access to the platform.

Meta denies the allegations. Company representatives emphasize that the market for AI assistants remains competitive – users can turn to alternative services through app stores, operating systems and websites.

"The Commission’s logic erroneously assumes that the WhatsApp Business API is a key distribution channel for these chatbots," a Meta spokesperson said.

The final decision on interim measures will depend on the company's response and the exercise of its rights of defense.

However, the EU's very readiness for emergency intervention underlines the bloc's determination to adhere to antitrust rules – despite criticism from the US about Europe's pressure on big American tech companies.

• On January 12, it became known that the American corporation Meta appointed by Dina Powell McCormick for the positions of president and vice president.