European Union regulators have issued a fresh warning to Meta Platforms, saying the company must ensure WhatsApp does not block or disadvantage rival artificial intelligence chatbots. The move underscores the EU’s growing determination to curb what it sees as anti-competitive behavior by major technology firms under its new digital rules.

WhatsApp’s AI Push Under Scrutiny

Meta has been rapidly integrating AI-powered assistants across its platforms, including WhatsApp, positioning its own chatbot as a built-in feature for users. EU officials are concerned that this deep integration could unfairly sideline competing AI services, limiting consumer choice and reinforcing Meta’s dominance in messaging.

Digital Markets Act Takes Center Stage

The warning is closely tied to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark regulation designed to rein in so-called “gatekeepers” — large platforms that control key digital access points. Under the DMA, companies like Meta are required to open their ecosystems and avoid favoring their own services over rivals.

Interoperability and Fair Access at the Core

Regulators argue that WhatsApp, as one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps, must allow fair access for third-party AI chatbots. This could mean enabling interoperability or ensuring users can freely choose alternative AI assistants without friction or hidden disadvantages.

Meta Pushes Back, Cites Innovation Concerns

Meta has previously defended its AI strategy, saying tight integration improves user experience and accelerates innovation. The company has also warned that overly strict regulation could slow the rollout of new features and weaken Europe’s competitiveness in the global AI race.

Potential Penalties Loom Large

Failure to comply with the DMA can carry severe consequences. Companies found in breach risk fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue, rising to 20% for repeat offenses. For Meta, that could translate into billions of euros if regulators decide enforcement action is necessary.

A Test Case for AI Competition in Messaging

The standoff is shaping up as a key test of how far EU regulators are willing to go in applying competition rules to artificial intelligence. The outcome could influence not only Meta’s future AI plans, but also how AI assistants are distributed across major consumer platforms worldwide.