Italy's competition authority investigates Meta over AI integration in WhatsApp
Italy's antitrust authority opened a formal investigation into Meta for allegedly integrating an AI chatbot into WhatsApp without explicit user consent and using the integration to favor its own AI service. The AGCM contends the practice hampers competition and may violate European competition rules.
What happened
Italy's antitrust authority, the AGCM, inspected Meta's Italian offices on Tuesday in collaboration with Italian financial police. The investigation is being conducted in close coordination with European Union authorities.
The AGCM alleges that Meta integrated an AI-powered chatbot into WhatsApp without obtaining explicit user consent. By coupling the 'Meta AI' application with WhatsApp, Meta reportedly directs customers toward its AI offering.
Reported impact
The AGCM contends that the integration hampers competition because users must install two separate AI applications on their devices if they wish to avoid using Meta AI. Violations of European competition rules can result in fines of up to 10 percent of global annual revenue.
Index analysis
Meta responded by emphasizing the benefits of integrating its AI functions into WhatsApp, stating that free access to AI features provides millions of Italians the ability to use AI in a place they know, trust and understand.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.