Italy's antitrust regulator (AGCM) has ordered Meta to suspend WhatsApp contractual terms that may block rival AI chatbots while it investigates suspected abuse of dominance. The probe, opened in July and expanded in November to include WhatsApp Business terms, follows concerns the clauses could restrict market access, innovation and consumer choice. EU authorities have launched a parallel investigation and the AGCM is coordinating with the European Commission. Meta called the decision "fundamentally flawed," saying new AI chatbots strain its systems.
Italy Orders Meta To Suspend WhatsApp Terms That Could Shut Out Rival AI Chatbots
Teenagers pose for a photo while holding smartphones in front of a Whatsapp logo in this illustration taken September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Milan, Dec 24 — Italy's antitrust regulator, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has ordered Meta Platforms to suspend contractual terms on WhatsApp that the watchdog says could prevent competing AI chatbots from operating on the messaging platform while it investigates suspected abuse of a dominant market position.
The AGCM said the clauses appear capable of limiting "output, market access or technical development in the AI chatbot services market," a restriction that could ultimately harm consumers and stifle innovation.
Meta responded: "This decision is fundamentally flawed. The rapid arrival of AI chatbots has put a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support," a company spokesperson said, defending the company’s approach to platform stability and security.
Investigation Timeline and Scope
The regulator opened the probe in July into potential abuse tied to WhatsApp and expanded the investigation in November to include updated terms for WhatsApp's business platform. The AGCM said the contractual conditions "completely exclude Meta AI's competitors in the AI chatbot services market from the WhatsApp platform," alleging the exclusions are comprehensive.
EU antitrust authorities launched a parallel investigation last month into the same set of allegations. The Italian watchdog said it is coordinating with the European Commission to address Meta's conduct "in the most effective manner."
Broader Context
The order is the latest regulatory action by European authorities targeting major technology firms as the EU seeks to balance support for innovation with measures to rein in market concentration. Europe’s tougher stance contrasts with comparatively lighter regulatory approaches in the United States, prompting pushback from industry and criticism from some U.S. political figures.
The AGCM action suspends the disputed contractual terms while investigators determine whether Meta's policies unlawfully disadvantage rivals and harm consumer choice. The probe remains ongoing.
Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Editing by Alexander Smith.
