Italy’s competition watchdog has officially widened its investigation into Meta Platforms. The regulator is escalating its scrutiny of the tech giant. It alleges that Meta is abusing its dominant market position.
The issue centers on the integration of artificial intelligence tools into WhatsApp. On Wednesday, the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) announced the expansion. The inquiry now covers recent changes to the platform’s operations. Specifically, it targets the new WhatsApp Business Solution terms introduced on October 15.
Stifling the Chatbot Market?
The regulator is concerned about Meta’s strategy. It fears the company could effectively lock out competitors.
Meta is integrating its proprietary AI interaction tools directly into WhatsApp. Authorities believe this move could restrict market access. Furthermore, it might limit technical development for rival AI chatbot services.
The AGCM argues that these actions create an unfair ecosystem. Consequently, third-party developers may be unable to compete with Meta’s built-in solutions.
Potential Interim Measures
The AGCM has issued a warning. It reserves the right to intervene immediately.
The regulator is considering interim measures. It may suspend or modify the new business terms while the investigation proceeds. Additionally, it could halt the rollout of new Meta AI features.
A Continued Crackdown
This development builds on a probe launched in July. At that time, the watchdog flagged concerns regarding European Union competition rules.
The initial investigation focused on the Meta AI assistant. It alleged that the company processed user data for AI training without proper consent.
This expansion signals a deepening regulatory battle. Italy is moving to ensure fair competition in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.
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