Meta offers free WhatsApp access to rival AI chatbots

The proposal would allow competing AI chatbot providers, including ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, to access WhatsApp’s business API for free up to a usage limit as Meta faces increasing antitrust pressure in Europe.

Meta Platforms has proposed offering limited free access to WhatsApp for rival artificial intelligence chatbot companies as the social media giant seeks to address growing competition concerns raised by European Union regulators.

According to reports, the company recently submitted a proposal to European antitrust authorities after regulators indicated they were considering interim measures that could require Meta to open WhatsApp access to competing AI services during an ongoing investigation.

The proposal would allow rival AI assistants, including those developed by OpenAI, to use WhatsApp’s business Application Programming Interface, or API, without charges up to a certain messaging threshold. Once usage exceeds the specified limit, Meta plans to introduce fees for continued access.

The move reflects increasing regulatory pressure on large technology companies operating in Europe, where authorities are focusing on ensuring fair competition in rapidly growing AI and digital platform markets.

EU focuses on fair competition in AI market

The European Commission has been closely monitoring the role of major technology firms in emerging AI ecosystems. Regulators are concerned that dominant digital platforms could potentially limit market access for smaller competitors by controlling essential services and user ecosystems.

While the Commission has not publicly commented on the details of Meta’s proposal, officials have repeatedly emphasised the importance of keeping the AI assistant market open, competitive and accessible for innovation.

Meta had earlier announced temporary free access to WhatsApp’s business API for competing AI chatbot providers in Europe while discussions with regulators were underway.

Industry analysts believe the case could become a significant test for how competition rules will apply to AI-powered digital platforms in the coming years, especially as messaging services increasingly become gateways for AI-driven customer interactions and enterprise tools.

Smaller AI firms raise concerns

Despite the proposal, some smaller AI companies have expressed dissatisfaction with Meta’s approach. Critics argue that the conditions outlined in the offer may still place rival chatbot providers at a disadvantage compared to Meta’s own AI ecosystem.

California-based The Interaction Company, which develops the Poke.com AI assistant, said the proposal does not adequately address the competition issues identified in the investigation.

French startup Agentik also criticised the arrangement, alleging that Meta’s own AI products would not face similar restrictions or usage conditions.

Meta, however, has maintained that its own AI assistant does not rely on WhatsApp’s API infrastructure in the same way external chatbot providers would.

The latest developments highlight the growing global debate over how governments should regulate large AI and technology companies while balancing innovation, competition and consumer access in digital markets.