Whalesbook
Meta Platforms is strategically offering rival artificial intelligence developers, such as OpenAI, limited free access to its WhatsApp business API in Europe.
This significant concession aims to preempt potential regulatory action from the European Commission, which has been intensifying its investigation into Meta's market practices within the AI assistant sector. The proposal allows competitors to use WhatsApp's API without charge up to a certain usage limit, after which Meta intends to implement fees. Feedback on this proposal was due by May 18.
This move comes as the EU seeks to ensure a fair market, preventing dominant tech companies from stifling competition. However, the proposed solution has not fully resolved concerns. Smaller AI firms, like California-based The Interaction Company, which develops the Poke.com AI assistant, have voiced skepticism, stating the offer is "far from resolving any of the competition concerns." French startup Agentik has also criticized the plan, arguing that Meta's own AI assistant will operate under more favorable terms, creating an uneven playing field.
Concerns were previously raised in October 2025 when Meta changed its rules to block third-party AI providers from reaching customers via WhatsApp, only to later reinstate access for a fee, which the EU deemed equivalent to a ban. The European Commission has been investigating Meta's policies since December 2025, with preliminary findings suggesting a breach of EU antitrust laws.
As of May 19, 2026, Meta Platforms (META) has a market capitalization of approximately $1.56 trillion and a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio around 22.22, close to its historical median. The stock's 52-week range is between $520.26 and $796.25, with its current trading price around $602.61. Meta's average trading volume is about 13.72 million shares. The company's net profit for the quarter ending March 2026 saw significant year-over-year growth of 60.9%.
Meta has faced prior scrutiny regarding its AI integration. In late 2025, the EU opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta's AI policies on WhatsApp, specifically examining whether blocking AI providers from using the WhatsApp Business Solution created barriers for third-party AI services. The investigation focuses on potential abuse of a dominant position under EU competition rules.
Meta has countered these allegations by stating that users can still access competing AI services through other channels and that its integrations do not impede market entry. The current proposal is a direct response to ongoing discussions and investigations, aiming to find a resolution before further regulatory action is taken. Meta is subject to potential fines of up to 10% of its global annual turnover if found to have violated antitrust laws.