EU orders Meta to restore rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp for free

The European Union has compelled Meta to reopen WhatsApp to competing AI chatbots. The decision requires the chatbots to be offered at no cost to users. Meta had previously limited third‑party AI services on the messaging platform. The EU action is grounded in competition and interoperability concerns. Rival AI developers will regain access to WhatsApp's user base. Users can again interact with non‑Meta bots within the app. The ruling may shape future platform‑policy decisions. Stakeholders will watch how Meta implements the mandated changes.