Meta to Appeal EU Mandate Granting Free WhatsApp API, Faces 10% Revenue Fine
META•Meta is challenging an EU order that compels it to grant rival AI firms free access to the WhatsApp Business API within five working days. Regulators warn the company could face fines up to 10% of its global annual revenue for antitrust violations.
1. EU Order Requires WhatsApp API Access for AI Rivals
The European Commission has issued an interim measure requiring Meta to restore free, unrestricted access to the WhatsApp Business API for competing AI assistants within five working days to prevent irreversible market damage.
2. Meta Plans Legal Challenge
Meta has announced it will appeal the order, arguing that it constitutes regulatory overreach and unfairly subsidizes rival AI firms at the expense of paying customers.
3. Potential 10% Revenue Fines
If found in breach of EU antitrust rules, Meta could incur penalties of up to 10% of its global annual revenue, representing a significant potential financial liability.
4. Implications for AI Competition
The decision could reshape the AI assistant market by lowering barriers for new entrants, while ongoing legal proceedings may influence Meta's strategic investments in AI integration with WhatsApp.
