Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp and Facebook (now Meta) is currently being investigated by Italy’s antitrust authority (AGCM) over allegations of market position abuse and unfair competition.
According to the authority, Meta installed its artificial intelligence tool into WhatsApp without users’ consent, a move that could negatively impact competitors.
It noted that the integration of AI tools might direct users toward Meta’s services, putting rivals at a disadvantage and limiting users’ choice.
The authority stated,
“By pairing Meta AI with WhatsApp, Meta appears to be able to steer its user base into the new market not through merit-based competition, but by ‘forcing’ users to accept the availability of two distinct services, potentially harming competing services.”
Adding that abusing a dominant position breaches the EU competition rules, and companies that violate this rule could be fined 10% of their worldwide turnover.
Responding to the allegation, the company spokesperson said:
“Offering free access to our AI features in WhatsApp gives millions of Italians the choice to use AI in a place they already know, trust, and understand.”
Adding that the company is cooperation with the relevant authority in the European commission while emphasizing the benefit of its AI service to users.
The authority emphasized that Meta’s Italian subsidiary will be investigated with the support of Italy’s tax police special antitrust unit.
