Italy expands antitrust investigation against Meta: AI tools in WhatsApp in the crosshairs
26 November 17:21
Italy’s antitrust regulator announced the expansion of the investigation against Meta Corporation because of suspicions of abuse of dominant position in the integration of artificial intelligence tools in the messenger WhatsApp. This is reported by Reuters, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
What is in question
We are talking about the WhatsApp Business Solution terms of service, which came into force on October 15. The Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) assessed that the new rules, as well as the introduction of Meta AI features in WhatsApp, could create barriers for competitors in the AI chatbot market – in particular, limiting the production, market access and technical development of other companies.
The AGCM said it is considering introducing interim measures to restrict the new WhatsApp Business Solutions terms and conditions and the use of Meta AI features until the investigation is completed.
The first proceedings against Meta in Italy were opened in July
At that time, the regulator expressed doubts that the company had integrated its AI assistant into WhatsApp without proper user consent, which could have violated European Union competition rules.
Although Meta has been actively expanding the use of its AI solutions in its products, European regulators have increasingly questioned whether these practices comply with data protection and competition regulations.
What is known about the European Commission’s (EC) proceedings against Meta
Meta, along with other major platforms, are under suspicion for failing to provide adequate mechanisms to moderate and respond to illegal content (including violent, propaganda, disinformation content). According to preliminary findings, the platforms failed to provide users with a simple and effective means to report such content.
Meta is also suspected of violating competition rules on a new advertising and monetization model that limits user choice and creates barriers for competitors. The EU has already fined Meta for online marketplace abuses in 2025 and is now analyzing compliance with the DMA.
The company could face fines of up to several percent of global turnover if the claims made are proven.
What is known about the Isavnia trial
In Spain, a court ordered Meta to pay nearly €481 million to 81 media outlets because the company allegedly processed users’ personal data illegally and gained a disproportionate advantage in advertising, harming digital media.
The Spanish Parliament will also initiate a separate investigation against Meta for potential violations of user privacy, in particular illegal tracking of Android users’ activity.
