Meta to Charge $0.0625 per WhatsApp AI Chatbot Message in Brazil
Meta will charge third-party AI chatbot providers $0.0625 per non-template message via WhatsApp Business API in Brazil from March 11 after Brazil’s antitrust regulator ruled blocking these services would harm competition. The policy mirrors a similar rollout in Europe and applies wherever Meta is legally required to support rival chatbots.
1. Regulatory Ruling in Brazil
Brazil’s antitrust tribunal maintained a preventive measure requiring Meta to allow third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp, finding that banning them would create competitive harm in the instant messaging market.
2. Pricing Details and Rollout
Meta will begin charging $0.0625 per non-template message through its WhatsApp Business API in Brazil starting March 11, enabling approved AI chatbot providers to deploy services for a fee.
3. Impact on Meta’s Business Model
The fee introduces a new revenue stream for WhatsApp at a time when the company seeks to monetize its Business API, but some developers warn the cost may deter lower-volume or experimental chatbot deployments.
4. Alignment with European Policy
This policy follows Meta’s decision in Europe to permit rival chatbots under similar terms, reflecting the company’s approach to comply with regional regulatory mandates rather than its original API design intent.