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Meta offers rival AI chatbots free WhatsApp access in EU

ai-technology · 2026-05-20

Meta has suggested permitting competing AI chatbots to function on WhatsApp at no cost in Europe, a proposal presented to European Union antitrust authorities. This initiative follows a ban imposed in January and a fee charged per message, which attracted regulatory attention. While the proposal seeks to alleviate concerns regarding competition, it contains stipulations that could diminish its effectiveness.

Key facts

  • Meta proposed free WhatsApp access for rival AI chatbots in Europe.
  • The proposal was submitted to E.U. antitrust regulators.
  • A January ban on rival chatbots and a per-message fee previously drew regulatory scrutiny.
  • The offer includes conditions that may limit its impact.
  • Meta is seeking to address competition concerns with this proposal.
  • The move is specific to the European Union market.
  • WhatsApp is a Meta-owned messaging platform.
  • The proposal follows regulatory pressure from E.U. authorities.

Entities

Institutions

  • Meta
  • WhatsApp
  • European Union

Locations

  • Europe
  • European Union

Sources