Meta allows AI competitors to access WhatsApp

Meta Platforms stated that artificial intelligence competitors will be allowed access to WhatsApp for one year in order to prevent potential interim injunctions from EU antitrust regulators after competitors complained of being shut out by the instant messaging service. Meta now tells the committee that it will allow competitors' AI chatbots to access WhatsApp for a fee. The company had banned these chatbots from using WhatsApp on January 15 and only allowed its Meta AI assistant to operate on the service. "Over the next 12 months, we will support general AI chatbots operating through the WhatsApp Business API in Europe in response to the regulatory procedures of the European Commission," a Meta spokesperson said.