Italy orders Meta to suspend WhatsApp terms blocking rival AI chatbots in antitrust probe

Italy watchdog orders Meta to halt WhatsApp terms barring rival AI chatbots

MILAN, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Italy's antitrust authority (AGCM) on Wednesday ordered Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab to suspend contractual terms that could shut rival AI chatbots out of WhatsApp, as it investigates the U.S. tech group for suspected abuse of a dominant position. A spokesperson for Meta called the decision "fundamentally flawed," and said the emergence of AI chatbots "put a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support". The move is the latest in a string by European regulators against Big Tech firms, as the EU seeks to balance support for the sector with efforts to curb its expanding influence. Meta's conduct appeared capable of restricting "output, market access or technical development in the AI chatbot services market", potentially harming consumers, AGCM said. In July, the Italian regulator opened the investigation into Meta over the suspected abuse of a dominant position related to WhatsApp. It widened the probe in November to cover updated terms for the messaging app's business platform. "These contractual conditions completely exclude Meta AI's competitors in the AI chatbot services market from the WhatsApp platform," the watchdog said. EU antitrust regulators launched a parallel investigation into Meta last month over the same allegations. Europe's tough stance - a marked contrast to more lenient U.S. regulation - has sparked industry pushback, particularly by U.S. tech titans, and led to criticism from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Italian watchdog said it was coordinating with the European Commission to ensure Meta's conduct was addressed "in the most effective manner". Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Editing by Alexander Smith Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Italy orders Meta to suspend WhatsApp AI terms amid antitrust probe - report By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Italy's antitrust authority has ordered Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) to suspend certain WhatsApp contractual terms that regulators say could exclude rival artificial intelligence chatbots from the messaging platform. The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) said on Wednesday that the terms under investigation may constitute an abuse of Meta's dominant market position, potentially limiting competition in the emerging AI chatbot services market. The watchdog warned that Meta's conduct could restrict output, market access, or technological development, ultimately harming consumers. Reuters in a report said that Meta pushed back against the decision, with a company spokesperson describing the ruling as "fundamentally flawed." The spokesperson added that the rapid growth of AI chatbots had placed pressure on systems that were "not designed to support" such widespread use, the report said. The investigation was first opened in July, when AGCM began examining Meta's alleged abuse of dominance linked to WhatsApp. In November, the probe was expanded to include updated terms governing WhatsApp's business platform. According to the regulator, these contractual conditions effectively prevent competing AI chatbot providers from accessing WhatsApp. European Union antitrust regulators launched a parallel investigation last month over the same concerns, underscoring growing scrutiny of Big Tech firms across the bloc. AGCM said it is coordinating closely with the European Commission to address Meta's conduct "in the most effective manner." The case is part of a broader regulatory push in Europe aimed at curbing the influence of major technology companies while still supporting innovation. This tougher European stance contrasts with comparatively lighter regulation in the United States and has drawn criticism from U.S. technology leaders as well as from the administration of President Donald Trump.

Italy watchdog orders Meta to halt WhatsApp terms barring rival AI chatbots

MILAN, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Italy's antitrust authority (AGCM) on Wednesday ordered Meta Platforms to suspend contractual terms that could shut rival AI chatbots out of WhatsApp, as it investigates the U.S. tech group for suspected abuse of a dominant position. A spokesperson for Meta called the decision "fundamentally flawed," and said the emergence of AI chatbots "put a strain on our systems that they were not designed to support". "We will appeal," the spokesperson added. The move is the latest in a string by European regulators against Big Tech firms, as the EU seeks to balance support for the sector with efforts to curb its expanding influence. Meta's conduct appeared capable of restricting "output, market access or technical development in the AI chatbot services market", potentially harming consumers, AGCM said. In July, the Italian regulator opened the investigation into Meta over the suspected abuse of a dominant position related to WhatsApp. It widened the probe in November to cover updated terms for the messaging app's business platform. "These contractual conditions completely exclude Meta AI's competitors in the AI chatbot services market from the WhatsApp platform," the watchdog said. EU antitrust regulators launched a parallel investigation into Meta last month over the same allegations. Europe's tough stance - a marked contrast to more lenient U.S. regulation - has sparked industry pushback, particularly by U.S. tech titans, and led to criticism from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Italian watchdog said it was coordinating with the European Commission to ensure Meta's conduct was addressed "in the most effective manner". (Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Editing by Alexander Smith)