BRUSSELS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission said on Monday that it has set out its preliminary view that Meta's conduct, preventing third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants from accessing WhatsApp, may breach European Union (EU) antitrust rules.
In its statement, the Commission said it has sent a statement of objections to Meta, saying the company's conduct could risk hindering competitors from entering or expanding in the rapidly growing market for AI assistants. Meta will now be able to respond and defend itself.
The Commission noted that Meta introduced the restriction in October 2025, through an update to the terms governing the WhatsApp Business Solution, which barred third-party AI assistants from connecting to the app. The Commission then opened a formal antitrust investigation in December 2025.
Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president of the European Commission for a Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, said the Commission is considering quickly adopting interim measures. The aim would be to preserve Meta's competitors' ability to access WhatsApp during the investigation, to avoid the risk of irreparable harm to competition in Europe.
However, the Commission also said any interim measures will depend on Meta's reply and rights of defence.
A statement of objections is a formal step in the Commission's procedure on whether interim measures may be necessary. It sets out the Commission's preliminary findings in writing. After receiving it, the parties can submit a written reply and may request an oral hearing to present their views. Once the defence rights have been exercised, the Commission will decide whether to impose interim measures.
The Commission said the statement of objections to Meta covers the European Economic Area, excluding Italy, because the Italian Competition Authority had already adopted interim measures against Meta in December 2025. ■