Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, is working to avoid a new EU order. The order would force Meta to give rival chatbot services free access to WhatsApp. Meta's lawyers presented their arguments to EU antitrust officials on Tuesday. This is part of an ongoing investigation into Meta's market power.
The European Commission sent Meta a statement of objections last month. This statement explains their concerns about Meta's practices. The Commission is investigating if Meta is abusing its dominant position. If found guilty, Meta could face a large fine. The Commission is expected to make a decision in the coming months.
Meta initially launched a policy on January 15th. This policy only allowed its own AI assistant, "Meta AI," on WhatsApp. However, Meta changed this policy in March. They announced that competitors could use WhatsApp, but for a fee. This change led to a second charge from EU regulators.
Regulators had already issued a first charge in February. That charge addressed potential interim measures to stop Meta from blocking AI competitors. Tim Lamb, a lawyer for Meta, attended the hearing in Brussels. Other lawyers were also present. Executives from the US were expected to join the four-hour hearing online.
Meta reiterated its previous statements. They argue that the EU's antitrust body is using its power to help big companies. These companies would use the paid WhatsApp Business service for free. A spokesperson for Meta said, "This means a small bakery in France paying to use the service for croissant orders will bear the cost for OpenAI. Small European businesses should not have to pay OpenAI's bills."
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that OpenAI and French AI startup Mistral AI were among those participating in the hearing.