Italy Widens Antitrust Probe Into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Integration
Italy's antitrust authority expanded its investigation into Meta, alleging the company abused its dominant position by integrating Meta AI into WhatsApp and restricting rival AI services through updated business platform terms. The regulator opened a procedure for potential interim measures, with the investigation due to conclude by end of 2026.
What happened
Italy's antitrust authority expanded its investigation into Meta Platforms on November 26, 2025, broadening a probe that began in July to cover allegations the company abused its dominant position through AI tools on WhatsApp.
Meta changed WhatsApp Business Solution terms on October 15, 2025, to ban companies offering AI services from using the platform if those services are their main feature, with the new terms applying immediately to newcomers and from January 15, 2026, to existing firms.
The regulator opened a procedure for potential interim measures concerning the new WhatsApp Business Solution Terms and the integration of Meta AI features into WhatsApp, which may include suspending the terms and limiting further AI integration while the probe continues.
Reported impact
The Italian regulator alleged the moves could shut competitors out of WhatsApp's user base of more than 37 million in Italy and distort competition in AI chatbot services, given consumers' reluctance to switch platforms.
The regulator alleged Meta integrated Meta AI into WhatsApp without users' consent, a move that might harm competitors.
Index analysis
The investigation underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech's push into generative AI, as platforms with massive user bases such as WhatsApp become key gateways for new services.
Governance controls
The investigation is due to conclude by the end of 2026.
Companies that breach EU competition rules by abusing a dominant position can be fined up to 10% of their worldwide turnover.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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