European Union warns Meta over WhatsApp AI restrictions – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

This photograph taken on December 15, 2023, shows lined up flags of the European Union on display at the European headquarters during the European Union summit, in Brussels. – EU chief Charles Michel confirmed on December 15, 2023 that European leaders had failed to agree to a budget plan including aid for Ukraine after an objection from one member, understood to be Hungary. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) The European Union has escalated antitrust scrutiny against Meta Platforms, warning it may impose interim measures over its decision to restrict rival artificial intelligence (AI) services on WhatsApp. The European Commission stated that Meta’s policy change, effective January 15, limits WhatsApp’s AI capabilities to its own assistant, Meta AI, effectively barring competing AI developers from operating on the platform. The Commission has formally charged Meta with breaching EU competition rules, issuing a “statement of objections” that outlines its preliminary view that the company’s actions could distort competition in digital markets. Meta will have the opportunity to respond before a final ruling is made. “The Commission intends to impose interim measures to prevent serious and irreparable harm to the market,” the statement said, highlighting concerns that waiting for a full investigation could
Read More