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EU Launches Antitrust Probe Into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Integration

12:18 AM, 12/06/2025
EU Launches Antitrust Probe Into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Integration

The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Meta over its integration of AI features into WhatsApp to determine whether the move harms competition. The probe will examine interoperability, data flows, and whether Meta’s AI integration disadvantages rivals. The U.S. has lobbied for lighter enforcement—even raising tariffs as leverage—while some European leaders call for tougher penalties. Reports suggest a fine could be imminent, a development criticized by U.S. politician JD Vance.

EU Opens Antitrust Investigation Into Meta Over WhatsApp’s Use Of AI

The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta to determine whether the integration of its artificial intelligence platform into WhatsApp harms competition. Regulators will examine whether the AI features give Meta an unfair advantage by limiting interoperability or blocking rivals from operating on equal terms.

Scope of the Probe
Investigators are expected to assess technical and commercial effects of the AI rollout, including whether access restrictions, data flows, or technical integrations disadvantage competing messaging and AI-service providers.

Political Context
The inquiry comes amid transatlantic tensions over digital regulation. U.S. officials have urged the EU to temper scrutiny of American technology firms and have at times threatened trade measures such as tariffs to press their case. At the same time, several European leaders are calling for stricter enforcement and heavier penalties for companies seen to be abusing market power.

Possible Penalties
Capitol Forum has reported that the EU may be poised to issue a fine in the coming days, though formal decisions and timelines have not been publicly confirmed. U.S. Senator JD Vance publicly criticized the reports, arguing the EU should not be "attacking American companies."

What’s Next
The Commission’s investigation will take time and could lead to remedies, fines, or other enforcement actions if anti-competitive conduct is found. The case is likely to shape future debates about AI, platform interoperability, and transatlantic regulatory coordination.

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