EU orders Meta to restore free WhatsApp access for rival AI assistants during antitrust probe

Why did the EU intervene before finishing the case?

The Commission said it imposed an interim measure because it believes Meta’s restrictions could cause serious or irreparable harm to competition in the fast-growing market for AI assistants before the full antitrust case is decided EL MUNDO,EL PAÍS,Spiegel Online.

What changed on WhatsApp that triggered the investigation?

Multiple reports say the EU probe began after Meta blocked or restricted rival AI assistants’ access to WhatsApp, leaving Meta AI as the available in-app option; some sources add that Meta later reopened access but imposed fees, which regulators viewed as not restoring the previous conditions tagesschau.de,DIE WELT,LaVanguardia.

What is still unresolved?

The order does not settle whether Meta broke EU competition law. That question will be decided in the ongoing antitrust investigation, and Meta has said it plans to challenge the interim measure through an appeal Hindu,ANSA.it,LaVanguardia.