EU Warns Meta: Open WhatsApp to Rival AI or Face Quick Action

The European Union has warned that it will take swift, temporary measures against Meta unless the American tech giant opens up its WhatsApp application to artificial intelligence services developed by competing companies. This move really shows how serious Brussels is about protecting competition rules within the digital market. French newspaper Le Figaro reported on Monday, February 9, 2026, that this warning comes after an investigation launched by the European Commission last October. The Commission is looking into whether Meta might be breaking competition rules by blocking external AI service providers from accessing the WhatsApp platform. The newspaper explained that the European Commission has threatened urgent interim measures if Meta doesn't comply with European competition rules. They believe that continuing these practices could really distort competition in the digital services and AI market. The Commission concluded that Meta might have misused its dominant position by limiting access for rival AI services to WhatsApp, while favoring its own smart assistant, "Meta AI." This raises some serious regulatory concerns about fair play and technological neutrality. This action by the EU highlights the growing regulatory oversight on big tech companies. The European Union is really pushing for a more competitive digital environment, aiming to prevent monopolies and ensure that digital platforms are open to innovation and a variety of tech solutions.