Meta Fights EU Bid to Force WhatsApp Open to Rival AI Chatbots
BRUSSELS, May 5 (Reuters) — Meta Platforms on Tuesday mounted a legal and public relations fight against an imminent European Union order that would force it to open its WhatsApp messaging platform to competing AI chatbots, arguing the measure would hurt small businesses and distort competition.
During a closed hearing before EU antitrust officials, Meta lawyers, including Tim Lamb, argued that the European Commission's proposed interim measure goes too far. The Commission sent Meta an additional charge sheet last month, signaling its intention to require the company to grant rival AI services access to WhatsApp — a move that could reshape how AI tools integrate with major messaging platforms.
The case stems from a policy Meta introduced on January 15 that allowed only its own Meta AI assistant on WhatsApp. The company amended that policy in March, saying rivals could now use the app for a fee. That triggered a second charge from EU regulators, who are investigating whether Meta is abusing its market power. If found in violation, the company could face a hefty fine.
“This means that a small bakery in France paying to use the service to take croissant orders will be picking up the tab for OpenAI,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Small European businesses shouldn't foot OpenAI's bill.”
The Commission's Deputy Director-General for Antitrust, Linsey McCallum, and her director, Carlota Reyners Fontana, declined to comment as they entered the hearing. The four-hour proceeding was also attended by executives from the United States via video link.
Among those participating was The Interaction Company of California, developer of the Poke.com AI assistant and a complainant in the case. Its co-founder and CTO, Felix Schlegel, said ahead of the hearing: “Meta is seeking to monopolize the use of WhatsApp for AI services by reserving it to its own offerings and excluding competitors like us. We welcome the Commission's action and its consideration of interim measures. At the hearing, we will make clear that these measures are necessary and should be adopted without delay.”
OpenAI and French AI startup Simone were also listed as participants, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
The Commission is expected to decide in the coming months whether to issue the order. The case has broader implications for how Big Tech controls access to its platforms, especially as AI services become more integrated into everyday communication tools.
Industry Reactions
“Meta is basically saying, 'We'll let competitors in, but only if they pay up,'” said Clara Hoffmann, a Berlin-based tech policy analyst. “That's not exactly playing fair when you control one of the world's most popular messaging apps. The EU is right to step in.”
Jean-Luc Moreau, a small business owner in Lyon who uses WhatsApp Business for his patisserie, expressed frustration: “I'm just trying to sell croissants, not fund OpenAI's next model. If Meta has to let other bots in, fine — but don't make me pay for it. I already pay for the service.”
Elena Vasquez, a digital rights advocate in Madrid, was more blunt: “This is classic Big Tech: squeeze competitors, then cry victim when regulators push back. Meta wants to have its cake and eat it too. The EU should slap them with the order and a fine that actually hurts.”
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how antitrust regulators handle AI integration in dominant platforms, with ripple effects across the industry.