**Meta Faces EU Antitrust Investigation Over WhatsApp AI Features**
Meta Platforms, the US-based technology giant, is reportedly facing an antitrust investigation from the European Union (EU) concerning certain artificial intelligence (AI) features integrated into WhatsApp. This investigation is based on allegations that these features may be harming competition within the European market. According to a Bloomberg report from December 4, 2025, the EU is preparing to initiate this investigation as early as this week.
The EU regulator plans to examine potential anticompetitive effects stemming from the integration of Meta’s AI into WhatsApp services, as indicated by sources familiar with the situation. However, it remains unclear which specific aspects of the AI rollout, which began in March 2025, will be scrutinized by the authorities. Additionally, Italian antitrust regulators have expanded their investigation into Meta’s AI tools in WhatsApp, focusing on claims of the company abusing its dominant market position in AI chatbot services.
The EU has intensified its scrutiny of major tech firms, aiming to identify instances of market dominance or abuse among companies that hold significant shares in the digital ecosystem. The introduction of the Digital Markets Act has established guidelines for major tech companies, outlining acceptable practices to combat anti-competitive behavior. In April 2025, Meta was fined $233 million for allegedly violating the Digital Markets Act, and in November 2024, the company was ordered to pay 798 million euros for allegedly abusing its market position by linking its Facebook Marketplace service to its social media platform.
While the European Commission has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, Meta has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
In a related development, Meta recently won an antitrust case against the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on November 18, 2025. A federal judge ruled that Meta does not hold a monopoly in the US market, rejecting the FTC’s claims that Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat operate in a separate market from video-first platforms. The court determined that the FTC’s market definition no longer accurately reflects how Americans engage with social media.
**FAQ**
*What is the focus of the EU’s antitrust investigation into Meta?*
The EU’s investigation is focused on the potential anticompetitive effects of AI features integrated into WhatsApp, which may harm competition in the European market.
