The European Commission has demanded that Meta allow other AI companies access without charge while it investigates the company for antitrust violations. File Photo by Gian Ehrenzeller/EPA
June 9 (UPI) -- The European Commission ordered Meta to allow competing artificial intelligence assistants to access WhatsApp while it investigates the company for antitrust violations.
The company must restore access by next week as it was until October, when the competition could use WhatsApp for free.
"In rapidly evolving markets, competition can be lost long before a final decision is adopted. This is why these interim measures will remain in place for the duration of the investigation, in order to prevent harm that would be almost impossible to repair," Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said in a statement. "These interim measures will safeguard competition in the growing market for AI assistants, by preserving a key entry point to reach consumers in Europe -- WhatsApp -- and allowing AI companies to innovate, scale up and reach their full potential."
The EC began its investigation in December around the same time Italy called foul of the alleged anti-competitive move by the company. Italy folded its complaint into the EC probe. After Brussels warned in February that it may force the company to open back up, in March Meta allowed the other companies in but began charging them fees. Brazil has levied similar complaints.
