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EU competition law daily briefing: statement of objections to Meta over WhatsApp AI assistant access ban; possible interim measures; updated reform timeline; merger clearances; State aid decisions; key upcoming dates

Published on: 09 February 2026

Published by a LexisNexis Competition expert
Legal News
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Article summary

Antitrust Commission issues SO to Meta over WhatsApp AI access limits; flags possible interim measures

The Commission has delivered a statement of objections to Meta, outlining its preliminary assessment that Meta blocked third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants from accessing and engaging with users on WhatsApp, infringing Article 102 TFEU (AT.41034). The Commission considers that Meta’s behaviour risks preventing competitors from entering or growing in the rapidly expanding market for general-purpose AI assistants and has therefore indicated its intention to impose interim measures (subject to Meta’s rights of defence) to avoid serious and irreparable harm to competition.

Background

On 15 October 2025, Meta announced changes to its WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, effectively prohibiting third-party general-purpose AI assistants from the platform. Consequently, from 15 January 2026, Meta’s own assistant, Meta AI, has been the only AI assistant available on WhatsApp. On 4 December 2025, the Commission opened formal proceedings to examine whether this policy shift amounts to an abuse of dominance. The investigation covers the EEA, excluding Italy, where the Italian Competition Authority adopted interim measures in December 2025...

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