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EU Orders Meta to Restore Free WhatsApp Access for Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has ordered Meta Platforms (META) to restore and guarantee free access to WhatsApp for competing AI assistants, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Digital Markets Act.

June 9, 2026
2 min read
Source: MT Newswires
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The European Commission has ordered Meta Platforms (META) to restore and guarantee free access to WhatsApp for competing AI assistants, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Details of the Order

According to informed sources, the regulator has asked Meta to remove any restrictions preventing third-party AI assistants from interacting with WhatsApp users for free. This decision is a temporary measure pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Company's Position

Meta has not yet issued an official statement, but has previously defended its practices as aimed at protecting user privacy and preventing platform abuse.

Precedents and Context

This order is part of a series of European regulatory actions against big tech companies under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices.

Potential Financial Impact

Non-compliance could result in significant fines of up to 10% of Meta's global annual revenue, potentially negatively impacting META stock performance in the short term.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is an EU regulation aimed at promoting fair competition in digital markets and preventing anti-competitive practices by big tech companies.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.