EU Orders Meta to Make WhatsApp Interoperable with Rival AI Chatbots
EU Mandates WhatsApp Interoperability with Rival AI Systems
The European Union has ordered Meta to make its WhatsApp messaging platform interoperable with competing artificial intelligence chatbots, according to a regulatory action under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The order requires Meta to allow third-party AI services to communicate with WhatsApp users, a move that could reshape how consumers interact with AI assistants across different platforms. The regulation targets large tech platforms designated as "gatekeepers" under the DMA framework.
The directive represents one of the first enforcement actions specifically targeting AI chatbot interoperability requirements. Under the DMA, gatekeepers must ensure their messaging services can work with rival platforms to prevent anti-competitive lock-in.
Meta now faces regulatory pressure to implement technical changes that would permit rival AI chatbots to send and receive messages through WhatsApp's infrastructure. The company has a compliance deadline to meet the interoperability requirements.
This regulatory action signals the EU's intent to apply DMA provisions to emerging AI services, extending the scope of the legislation beyond traditional messaging interoperability to cover AI-powered communication tools.