Judge Blocks $100,000 H-1B Fee as Italy Ends WhatsApp AI Probe
META•A federal judge invalidated the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, preserving Meta’s access to skilled foreign talent at standard application costs. Italy’s competition authority closed its antitrust probe into WhatsApp’s AI bot after the European Commission expanded its own review, eliminating a potential regulatory hurdle.
1. US Court Vacates Proposed $100,000 H-1B Fee
US District Judge Leo T. Sorokin ruled that the presidential order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications exceeded executive authority and must be vacated. This decision prevents a substantial increase in Meta’s cost to hire specialized foreign workers.
2. Italy’s Antitrust Authority Closes WhatsApp AI Probe
Italy’s competition authority AGCM officially closed its investigation into WhatsApp’s integrated AI tool after the European Commission expanded its broader AI inquiry to include Italian territory. The move removes uncertainty over potential antitrust enforcement actions against Meta’s messaging platform.
3. Strategic Implications for Meta
Both developments reduce operational and regulatory burdens for Meta. The blocked fee preserves standard hiring expenses, while closing the probe avoids possible fines or limits on AI features, supporting more predictable costs and facilitating product expansion.
