As it looks into possible abuse of a dominant position by the U.S. tech giant, Italy’s antitrust watchdog (AGCM) on Wednesday ordered Meta Platforms to halt contractual provisions that might prevent rival AI chatbots from using WhatsApp.
The introduction of AI chatbots “put a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support,” according to a Meta representative who described the ruling as “fundamentally flawed.”
“We will appeal,” the spokeswoman continued.
The action is the most recent in a series of actions taken by European authorities against Big Tech companies as the EU tries to strike a balance between measures to limit the sector’s growing influence and support for it.
According to AGCM, Meta’s actions seemed to have the ability to limit “output, market access, or technical development in the AI chatbot services market,” which might hurt customers.
The inquiry into Meta’s alleged misuse of a dominant position in relation to WhatsApp was initiated by the Italian regulator in July.
In November, it expanded the investigation to include revised rules for the business segment of the messaging service.
“These contractual conditions completely exclude Meta AI’s competitors in the AI chatbot services market from the WhatsApp platform,” the regulator stated.
Due to the same accusations, EU antitrust authorities opened a parallel probe into Meta last month.
Europe’s strict regulations, which stand in stark contrast to the more lax U.S. regulations, have provoked business opposition, especially from American internet giants, and drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The European Commission and the Italian watchdog said they were working together to make sure Meta’s actions were dealt with “in the most effective manner.”
