Meta Exempts Italy From WhatsApp AI Chatbot Restrictions
- Meta Platforms has decided to exempt Italy from its planned restrictions on rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp following intervention by the national antitrust authority.
- The move comes amid broader scrutiny in both Italy and the European Union over potential abuse of market dominance.
- While the exemption applies only to Italian phone numbers, the wider policy debate remains unresolved.
Meta Platforms will exclude Italy from its planned ban on rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp after receiving an order from the country’s antitrust authority. According to a notice seen by Reuters, the exemption applies to phone numbers with an Italian country code. The decision follows concerns that the policy could limit competition within the messaging platform. Regulatory scrutiny has intensified as authorities assess whether Meta’s actions breach EU competition rules.
The Italian Competition Authority, known as AGCM, ordered Meta last month to suspend its proposed ban while an investigation is ongoing. Complaints from rival AI developers triggered the probe, which focuses on suspected abuse of market power. At the European level, the European Commission is also examining whether Meta restricted competitors unfairly. However, unlike the Italian regulator, the Commission has not imposed interim measures so far.
Italy-Specific Exemption and Updated Terms
In its notice to AI providers and developers, Meta said that Italian phone numbers are currently excluded from WhatsApp’s updated terms of service. These revised terms are scheduled to take effect on January 15. The company stated that the exemption is intended to ensure compliance with the Italian authority’s order. Despite the change, the updated policy will still apply in other countries.
Meta declined to comment further on the revised terms when contacted. Instead, the company referred to a statement released late last year regarding technical constraints. According to that earlier explanation, the rapid rise of AI chatbots has placed pressure on systems not originally designed to support them. The Italian antitrust authority also declined to provide additional comment.
Competitive Concerns Around Meta AI
Blocking third-party AI chatbots from WhatsApp could potentially benefit Meta’s own virtual assistant, Meta AI. The company integrated Meta AI into the platform last year, giving it direct access to a large user base. Rivals argue that restricting access undermines fair competition. These concerns form a central part of the ongoing regulatory investigations.
The Interaction Company of California, which developed the AI assistant Poke.com, has been particularly vocal. Its co-founder and CEO, Marvin von Hagen, criticised Meta’s decision to limit the exemption to Italy. He argued that the policy should have been suspended globally rather than applied selectively. Calls were also made for the European Commission to adopt interim measures similar to those taken by Italian regulators.
Broader Implications for EU Tech Regulation
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between large technology platforms and regulators in Europe. Competition authorities across the EU have increasingly focused on how dominant firms integrate new AI services. Interim measures, such as those ordered in Italy, are still relatively rare in digital market cases. As investigations continue, the outcome could influence how AI integrations are governed across major online platforms.
