EU threatens measures to stop Meta blocking AI rivals from WhatsApp

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Mon, February 9, 2026 at 10:10 AM EST

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STORY: A Silicon Valley giant is once again in hot water with the European Union.

EU regulators have threatened Meta with temporary restrictions to stop it blocking AI rivals from its WhatsApp messaging service.

It would come while they investigate suspected abuse of a dominant position by the U.S. tech giant.

The European Commission said Monday (February 9) it has sent obections to Meta over possibly breaking the bloc's rules.

It further said it could impose the interim measures to prevent what it calls serious and irreparable harm to rivals.

The move is similar to one made by Italian regulators in December.

Meta said there was no reason for the EU to intervene.

It argued there are many AI options and people can use them from a number of sources like app stores and websites.

Meta brought in a policy last month which only allowed its Meta AI assistant on WhatsApp.

The EU said its decision on whether to impose the measures depends on Meta's reply and rights of defence.

Monday's move further shows the bloc's aim to enforce its antitrust rules.

That's despite U.S. criticism of its actions against big U.S. tech firms.

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