Italy’s competition regulator has widened its investigation into Meta’s use of artificial intelligence tools on WhatsApp and opened a procedure for interim measures that could curb the company’s plans.

The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) said the updated WhatsApp Business Solution terms, introduced on 15 October 2025, and the integration of new Meta AI interaction tools or features in WhatsApp could restrict output, market access or technical development in the AI chatbot services market.

The move broadens the scope of proceedings launched in July against Meta Platforms Inc., Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, WhatsApp Ireland Limited and Facebook Italy S.r.l.

In a press release, the AGCM stated: “According to the Authority, the new WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, introduced on 15 October 2025, and the integration of new Meta AI interaction tools or features into WhatsApp may limit production, market access or technical developments in the AI Chatbot services market.” It added that these terms “exclude from the WhatsApp platform, as of 15 October 2025, Meta AI’s competitors in the AI Chatbot services market.”

The regulator said it would assess interim measures under Section 14-bis of Law 287/1990 in relation to the terms and the AI features. It believes the contractual changes could be detrimental to consumers and may amount to a possible violation of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits abuse of a dominant position.

The AGCM also warned that Meta’s conduct could “severely and irreparably” harm market contestability, citing consumers’ limited propensity to change their habits, which hampers switching to competing services. The press release was dated Rome, 26 November 2025.

Reuters reported that Meta did not respond to a request for comment and that the regulator is considering interim measures relating to WhatsApp’s business terms and the introduction of new Meta AI features. The agency also noted that Italy opened the investigation in July, when the watchdog indicated Meta may have breached European Union competition rules by integrating its Meta AI assistant into WhatsApp without user consent.

Any interim steps could force changes to how Meta deploys AI tools within WhatsApp, particularly for business users, while the broader probe continues. If the authority ultimately finds an infringement, it could impose remedies aimed at restoring competition in the fast-growing market for AI-powered chatbots.

---