The European Union (EU) has ordered Meta to allow rival AI chatbots to work inside WhatsApp. The decision was made under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to increase competition in the technology sector. Under the new ruling, Meta will have to let AI companies such as OpenAI integrate their chatbots directly into WhatsApp. This means users could access different AI assistants on the messaging platform instead of only Meta AI.
Read More | Meta Launches Paid Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Plans Worldwide
Meta Opposes the Decision
Meta strongly criticised the ruling and called it ‘regulatory overreach’. The company said the decision gives competitors access to WhatsApp’s huge user base without requiring them to build their own platforms. According to Meta, it has spent years developing and maintaining WhatsApp’s infrastructure, and competitors should not benefit from that investment for free.
EU Says Competition Must Increase
The European Commission said the move is necessary because Meta is classified as a digital ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA. The law requires large technology companies to avoid practices that could limit competition. Regulators believe Meta’s control over WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide, could make it difficult for rival AI companies to reach consumers.
Read More | Private AI on WhatsApp? Meta Introduces Disappearing Incognito Conversations
AI Market Competition Intensifies
The decision comes as competition in the AI industry continues to grow. Companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic are rapidly expanding their AI assistants. Meta has also been promoting its own AI assistant across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. The EU’s latest ruling could open the platform to more AI services and increase competition in the fast-growing AI market.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future. She has also conducted high-profile interviews and podcasts with industry leaders, bringing sharp analysis and accessible storytelling to a wide audience.
