Brussels, Belgium – Meta Platforms Inc., the U.S. tech giant behind WhatsApp, is set to face an antitrust investigation by the European Union regarding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) services on the popular messaging platform, according to sources familiar with the matter. The probe is expected to be formally announced on Thursday.

The investigation will examine whether Meta’s AI policies could potentially restrict competition, particularly by giving its own AI service, Meta AI, preferential access to WhatsApp users while limiting rivals’ ability to integrate their services into the platform. EU regulators are focused on ensuring that dominant digital platforms do not abuse their market position to stifle innovation and block competitors.

Regulatory Context

This move aligns with the European Commission’s broader effort to tighten oversight of big tech and AI applications in digital communication services. EU antitrust authorities have increasingly scrutinized how large technology companies leverage their platforms to gain competitive advantage, particularly in artificial intelligence and messaging services.

The investigation is part of a continuing trend of EU regulators taking proactive measures against potential anti-competitive practices in digital markets. Analysts note that a finding against Meta could result in regulatory sanctions, fines, or mandated changes to AI access rules, further shaping the landscape for AI deployment in Europe.

Implications for Meta

A formal probe adds to Meta’s regulatory challenges in the EU, where lawmakers are actively implementing frameworks to ensure fair competition, transparency, and consumer protection in the fast-growing AI sector. The outcome of this investigation could have wide-reaching implications not only for WhatsApp but also for other Meta services deploying AI across European markets.