Most notably, Brazilian authorities in recent months have forced Meta to suspend its policy. This policy effectively locks third-party AI chatbots out of WhatsApp. The company has changed its terms for using the WhatsApp Business API. This decision follows months of pressure over their apparent anti-competitive practices.
The Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), Brazil’s antitrust authority, has launched an investigation into Meta’s new policies. Our inquiry found that these terms can impose private, exclusionary shackles. This might draw unnecessary arbiters into AI tool providers’ access of and ability to service WhatsApp users effectively.
According to CADE, “there is possible anti-competitive conduct of an exclusive nature that arises from the application of the New WhatsApp Terms imposed by Meta.” This very brief statement is significant, as it signals the organization’s intent to defend a competitive landscape in the digital marketplace.
Meta vigorously defended its policy. They originally claimed that the WhatsApp Business API enables businesses to deliver personalized customer support at scale, and send proactive notifications like shipment updates. A spokesperson for Meta remarked, “Our focus is on supporting the tens of thousands of businesses who are building these experiences on WhatsApp.” This reevaluation of their approach highlights the need for the company to focus on user experience for businesses, to have more control over the platform itself.
We applaud the Brazilian government for taking this kind of bold action to rein in the excesses of tech giants. This intervention protects competition in the digital world. Brazil’s aim is to strike down probable monopolistic conduct to protect consumers and competing businesses. This additive approach helps protect against discrimination that could limit access to new, innovative technologies.
Ivan Mehta is a reporter based in India, focusing on global consumer tech developments for TechCrunch. He comes to us with a deep background in technology journalism. Before that, he collaborated with popular outlets such as Huffington Post and The Next Web. If you have further questions or can provide advice on this evolving story, contact him with tips at im@ivanmehta.com. You can reach him via encrypted message on Signal at ivan.42.