Meta offers AI rival chatbots limited free WhatsApp access, sources say
Meta Platforms has proposed offering rival AI chatbots free access to WhatsApp in Europe, with charges applying after a certain message limit. This move aims to address concerns from EU regulators regarding competition in digital markets. However, smaller rivals have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the proposal does not adequately resolve competition issues.
- ▪Meta will start charging rival AI chatbots once they exceed a limit on messages sent to users.
- ▪The offer was submitted to EU antitrust regulators as part of an ongoing investigation into Meta's market practices.
- ▪Smaller competitors have criticized the proposal, stating it does not address their concerns about competition.
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Meta offers AI rival chatbots limited free WhatsApp access, sources saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMeta will start charging rival AI chatbots once they hit a limit in terms of messages sent to users, two sources said.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 20, 2026, 10:20 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 10:20 AMBRUSSELS – Meta Platforms has offered to give rival AI chatbots, including OpenAI, free access to its social messaging service WhatsApp in Europe, but will start charging them once they hit a limit, two people with knowledge of the matter said on May 19.The details of the offer, previously unreported, come as founder Mark Zuckerberg’s tech and social media giant that also controls Facebook, looks to appease increasingly tough EU regulators that are tightening the screws on…
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