Meta’s recent policy change to limit access to its business API has created a firestorm. Changing January 2026, the establishment rule now forbids common-use AI chatbots from staying available on WhatsApp by means of its API. This decision significantly impacts companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Poke, which have aimed to offer their AI services on the platform.
The amendment first reported by Transportation & Climate Initiative on December 24, 2025, has since garnered the attention of state regulatory agencies. In November, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) stepped up its investigation against Meta. They further warned that the company’s policy would have the effect of chilling competition across the nascent AI chatbot space. The AGCM found that Meta’s conduct could constitute an abusive exploitation of market power. These moves would limit output and availability for independent producers, harming customers in the end.
“This is a clear attempt to prevent third-party AI providers from offering their services through WhatsApp in the European Economic Area (EEA),” stated a representative from the European Commission. The implications of this policy are far-reaching, particularly given WhatsApp’s large user-ship throughout Europe.
The prohibition specifically targets popular AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude, which have become increasingly integrated into various messaging platforms. Running enhancements for revolutionized user experience with stomp-based back-to-front conversational functionalities. Meta’s new policy will shut off access to millions of users.
As of publication, Meta had not returned requests for comment regarding the AGCM’s ongoing investigation. They’ve failed to justify their policy reversal. In October, that same company abruptly shifted its API policy. This reversal has led to unprecedented restrictions on how chatbots can be integrated into its messaging app today.
Stakeholders in the tech and regulatory sectors alike are keeping an eye on Meta’s next moves. They’re closely monitoring how these changes could affect competitive dynamics in the AI space. The AGCM’s investigation is still open as of December 2025, so stay tuned for more news on this front in the coming months.