Italy's competition authority announced today that it is launching an investigation into Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook and WhatsApp, over a 'possible abuse of a dominant position' due to the integration of its AI chat service into WhatsApp. The authority explained that Meta's AI service has 'greater importance' on WhatsApp compared to competing services. The authority stated that it has imposed interim measures on Meta and its subsidiaries in Ireland and Italy to prevent them from excluding other AI-powered chat applications from WhatsApp. According to the authority, Meta's behavior 'appears to constitute an abuse, as it could restrict production, market access, or technological developments in the market for AI-powered chat applications, thereby harming consumers'. The authority added that it is taking this action while the investigation is ongoing, as Meta's behavior could cause irreparable harm to competition in the affected market. It also stated that it is coordinating with the European Commission to address this issue. Therefore, the authority has ordered Meta to 'immediately suspend the terms of WhatsApp Business Solutions to ensure that Meta's AI competitors can access the WhatsApp platform'. In turn, a Meta spokesperson denied the allegations, telling the Italian news agency ANSA that the decision is unfounded and that Meta will appeal it.
