The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into WhatsApp, focusing on whether Meta’s integration of artificial intelligence tools violates the EU’s strict competition rules. Officials are examining how AI-powered features—such as chat summaries, recommendations, and AI assistant integrations—were rolled out across the messaging service.

📌 Concerns Over Market Power and Fair Competition

Regulators say the probe aims to uncover whether Meta used WhatsApp’s massive user base as leverage to favour its own AI ecosystem. The investigation will assess if third-party developers or competing AI platforms faced unfair restrictions, potentially breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets dominant “gatekeeper” platforms.

🔍 Data Usage Under the Microscope

Another key aspect of the inquiry revolves around how WhatsApp data may be used to train Meta’s AI systems. European officials previously warned the company about insufficient transparency regarding user consent, prompting fears that personal messages or behavioural data could indirectly feed Meta’s algorithms.

📱 WhatsApp Defends Its AI Rollout

In response, Meta has said its AI tools are optional, privacy-friendly, and designed to comply fully with EU standards. The company insists that no personal messaging data is used for AI training unless explicitly permitted by users.

⚖️ What The Investigation Means for Meta

If the EU finds WhatsApp breached DMA rules, Meta could face hefty fines, mandatory changes to how its AI features function in Europe, and potential limitations on integrating future AI services. The probe is also expected to set a precedent for how AI-driven messaging platforms are regulated.

🌍 Wider Implications for the Tech Industry

The investigation underscores the growing tension between tech giants and European regulators as AI becomes central to digital products. The EU is positioning itself as a global leader in AI oversight, and WhatsApp’s case may become a benchmark for future enforcement actions across the industry.