EU Hits Meta With Antitrust Probe Over Plans to Block AI Rivals From WhatsApp

An antitrust probe has been initiated by EU regulators on Meta targeting a new WhatsApp policy which may block alternative AI providers and unfairly advantage the own AI system of Meta. The authorities state that the action will prevent the wrongful competition by big tech companies. Meta denies the accusation, saying that other artificial intelligence tools overload its systems. The new policy has elicited complaints from small AI developers, even those in the U.S. and Spain, as it would restrict their ability to reach millions of users. In case of conviction, Meta may be fined heavily or at least temporarily stop its AI features in WhatsApp.