Italy Allows WhatsApp to Continue Using Competing Chatbots Amid Regulatory Dispute
In a significant development in the escalating conflict between technology giants and European regulators, Meta Platforms has exempted Italy from its proposed ban on competing chatbots within the WhatsApp application. This decision comes in direct response to an order from the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM).
According to an official notice sent by Meta to AI technology providers and developers, as reported by Reuters, phone numbers with the Italian country code will not be subject to the updated WhatsApp terms of service for the time being, in accordance with the regulatory authority's decision.
The ban was initially set to take effect on January 15, 2026, which would have restricted AI-powered chatbots from other companies from operating on WhatsApp, thereby giving a clear advantage to Meta's own AI assistant, Meta AI, which was integrated into the app last year.
* European Investigations and Legal Pressures
The roots of this crisis trace back to a recent order from the Italian Competition Authority, which directed Meta last month to temporarily suspend the ban while ongoing investigations into potential abuse of market dominance are conducted, following complaints lodged by competitors.
Simultaneously, the European Commission is conducting a separate investigation into Meta to determine whether the company has violated competition laws by restricting access to WhatsApp for competing chatbots, although no temporary orders have been issued against the company thus far.
* Meta's Justification and Competitors' Criticism
Despite the growing controversy, Meta has refrained from making direct comments regarding the updated terms of service, instead referring to a previous statement made late last year, which noted that the widespread use of chatbots has placed considerable pressure on WhatsApp's systems, originally not designed to handle such high volumes.
In contrast, the Interaction Company of California, developer of the AI assistant Poke.com—one of the entities that filed complaints with both the Italian and European competition authorities—strongly criticized Meta's decision to exempt only Italy, deeming it unfair and raising concerns about market equality across Europe.
* Implications of the Decision
The exemption for Italy from the ban marks a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between major tech firms and independent AI developers, reflecting the determination of European regulators to monitor practices that could reinforce monopolies or undermine competition in a rapidly growing market.
As the deadline for the enforcement of WhatsApp's new terms approaches, all eyes are on Brussels and Rome to see whether Italy will remain the sole exception or if regulatory pressures will compel Meta to reconsider its plans across Europe.
