WhatsApp Constrained by the EU: Meta Must Reopen Its API to AI

The EU Orders Meta to Reopen Its WhatsApp Business API

On June 9, the European Commission made an unprecedented decision by ordering Meta to restore free access to the WhatsApp Business API for third-party AI assistants. This provisional measure, a first in 17 years under an antitrust case, gives Meta five business days to comply.

In January 2026, Meta had restricted access to this API, reserving its use for its own assistant, Meta AI. This decision was seen as a way to strengthen its dominance in the AI assistant market, prompting intervention from Brussels.

Competitor Complaints and the Commission's Investigation

The controversy began in October 2025 when Meta changed the terms of use for WhatsApp Business to exclude third-party AI assistants. This measure, implemented on January 15, 2026, led to complaints from three companies, including The Interaction Company, the creator of the Poke.com assistant, the French startup Agentik, and an unidentified Spanish company.

In response to these complaints, the European Commission opened a formal investigation in December 2025 and issued a statement of objections to Meta in February 2026. Meta proposed a paid access model for the API in March, but this offer was rejected by Brussels, deemed economically unsustainable for competitors.

In April, the Commission dismissed Meta's proposal, considering it equivalent to the initial blockage. In May, Meta attempted to offer one month of free access, but this offer also failed to convince European authorities.

Consequences for Meta and Political Reaction

The provisional measures imposed by the EU are designed to be implemented immediately and remain in effect throughout the investigation. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the Commission, emphasized the importance of acting swiftly in rapidly evolving markets to preserve competition and user choice for European consumers.

If Meta fails to comply with this injunction within the given timeframe, it risks a fine of up to 10% of its annual global revenue. Meta has already contested this decision, labeling the action as "regulatory overreach" and planning to appeal.

This case occurs amid rising tensions between American tech giants and European regulators. The Trump administration criticized the EU for unfairly targeting American companies, while Europe seeks to strengthen its DSA and DMA regulations to ensure its digital sovereignty.

The Old Continent is attempting to break free from the grip of major American tech companies, but for Meta and others, these European regulations are seen as degrading the user experience in Europe.