EU Sets March 15 Deadline for Meta’s WhatsApp AI Under DMA
The European Commission has ordered Meta to propose interim fixes for its AI-powered WhatsApp features by March 15 under the Digital Markets Act or face fines. The probe centers on Meta’s integration of OpenAI’s large language models without submitting removal or privacy safeguards.
1. EU Demands Interim Measures
The European Commission has formally notified Meta to submit interim measures by March 15 to address concerns over its deployment of AI features in WhatsApp. This decision enables EU enforcers to demand rapid adjustments to Meta’s service while the full investigation continues.
2. Probe Targets AI Integration
The antitrust probe under the Digital Markets Act scrutinizes Meta’s bundling of OpenAI large language models into its messaging platform without clear user safety protocols. Regulators are examining whether this integration breaches DMA rules designed to curb gatekeeper abuses.
3. Penalties Under the DMA
If Meta fails to present adequate remedies, the commission can levy fines up to 5% of its average daily global turnover and impose periodic penalties of up to 10% for ongoing non-compliance. Meta now faces a regulatory timeline that could constrain its AI rollout and force product modifications.