Meta offers rival AI chatbots limited free WhatsApp access in EU
Meta has offered rival AI chatbots, including OpenAI, free limited access to its WhatsApp messaging service in Europe, with charges to kick in after a certain limit, according to sources. The move comes as the company faces increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union.
Meta Platforms (META) has offered rival AI chatbots, including OpenAI, free but limited access to its WhatsApp messaging service in Europe, with plans to start charging once a usage threshold is exceeded, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Details of the Proposal
According to the sources, Meta submitted its proposal to EU antitrust regulators last week, after the European Commission said it was considering an order requiring the company to provide rivals access to WhatsApp until it concludes an ongoing investigation.
Company's Stance
The offer, previously unreported, comes as Meta, which also owns Facebook, seeks to appease increasingly tough EU regulators that are tightening the screws on Big Tech. Observers see this as a potential move to avoid harsher regulatory penalties.
Precedents and Context
Meta has not yet commented on the report. The European Union has been intensifying scrutiny of Big Tech in recent years, with rules like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) aimed at ensuring fair competition.
Potential Financial Impact
The exact usage limit and pricing structure after the threshold have not been disclosed, making it difficult to estimate the financial impact on WhatsApp's revenue. However, analysts suggest this could open a new revenue stream for Meta if widely adopted.
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