File Photo WhatsApp – The Meta logo is seen in front of the logos of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus displayed on a smartphone in this illustration photo taken on October 28, 2021. Reuters/Dado Ruvik/Illustration/File Photo WhatsApp’s efforts to shut down competing AI chatbots have sparked controversy, putting the Meta-owned platform under fresh regulatory scrutiny. The European Union has issued a new warning to Meta over its policies that reportedly prevent the use of rival AI assistants on WhatsApp.

In a statement to Meta’s objectors, the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, warned it would take measures to avoid “severe and irreparable harm on the market” over its failure to allow access to rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp, according to Bloomberg. The European Commission further said Meta’s conduct “risks preventing competitors from entering or expanding in the rapidly growing market for AI assistants.

” Interim measures reportedly could include a temporary order for the company to allow access to rival AI assistants on the messaging service. However, Meta has the right to respond and defend itself before these interim measures are implemented.