Meta faces competition probe in Italy over WhatsApp AI chatbot changes – Verdict

The investigation focuses on recent updates to the WhatsApp Business Solution Terms and the possible integration of new Meta AI features into WhatsApp. The authority has expanded its ongoing investigation to include Meta Platforms, Meta Platforms Ireland, WhatsApp Ireland, and Facebook Italy. Credit: Cristian Valderas/Shutterstock.com. The Italian Competition Authority (ICA) has initiated proceedings to consider interim measures against Meta Platforms regarding possible abuse of a dominant position in the AI chatbot services sector. The investigation focuses on changes to the WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, which came into effect in mid-October 2025, and the potential integration of new Meta AI features into WhatsApp. Access deeper industry intelligence Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise. Find out more ICA said that these updated contractual terms would exclude Meta AI’s competitors from the WhatsApp platform, raising concerns about possible restrictions on market access, production, or technical development within the AI chatbot market. The authority indicated that such limitations could negatively affect consumers and may represent a breach of Article 102 TFEU. It has widened its ongoing investigation involving Meta Platforms, Meta Platforms Ireland, WhatsApp Ireland, and Facebook Italy. The procedure under consideration falls within Section
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