Italy Investigates Meta Over AI Integration in WhatsApp

Italy has launched an investigation into Meta regarding the integration of Meta AI into WhatsApp, examining potential violations of European competition rules.

Authorities are concerned that Meta, which holds a dominant position in the communication app market, could exploit the pre-installation of Meta AI in WhatsApp to force users to use its chatbot and subscription services.

The Italian competition authority argues that Meta could steer its clientele towards the emerging market, not through fair competition, but by limiting user choice and harming its competitors.

A Meta spokesperson stated that the company is fully cooperating with the Italian authorities and that offering access to AI through WhatsApp gives Italians the opportunity to use artificial intelligence in a familiar environment.

Rome is collaborating with the European Commission to investigate potential violations of European law.

Italian authorities express fears that users may become hostages or functionally dependent on Meta AI, as the answers produced by the service become increasingly useful over time.