Meta Opens WhatsApp to Third-Party AI in Europe but Imposes Steep Messaging Fees

Meta updated its WhatsApp Business terms on October 15, 2025, with rules that were due to exclude third-party providers whose primary service is general-purpose AI from January 15, 2026, while allowing Meta AI to continue operating. The European Commission opened an antitrust investigation in December 2025 over concerns that Meta may be abusing its dominant position in messaging to squeeze rivals such as ChatGPT.

Meta said on March 4, 2026, that it would instead allow third-party AI services to use the WhatsApp Business API in Europe for the next 12 months, but would charge €0.0490–€0.1323 for each non-template message. On June 9, the European Commission found that the high prices had an effect similar to an outright block and ordered Meta to restore free access within five working days and maintain it until a final decision. Meta said it would appeal.