EU Orders Meta to Allow Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

---

[Financial Times] Brussels orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI agents Emergency measures signal EU efforts to intervene over rapidly developing market for autonomous agents

=== EARLIER COVERAGE / BACKGROUND (context only — do NOT lead with this) === === LATEST DEVELOPMENT (the current news — lead the headline and first paragraph with THIS) === [BBC News] EU orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots Meta has accused the EU of "regulatory overreach" and says its decision will allow tech giants like OpenAI free access to WhatsApp.

---

[Financial Times] Brussels orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI agents Emergency measures signal EU efforts to intervene over rapidly developing market for autonomous agents

---

[Le Monde] EU orders Meta to open Whatsapp to rival AI chatbots within five days The European Commission said it has the power to impose a fine of up to 10% of the company's total turnover in the business year preceding the infringement if Meta 'either intentionally or negligently' contravenes the decision on interim measures.

=== EARLIER COVERAGE / BACKGROUND (context only — do NOT lead with this) === === LATEST DEVELOPMENT (the current news — lead the headline and first paragraph with THIS) === [bbc.co.uk] EU orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots Meta has accused the EU of "regulatory overreach" and says its decision will allow tech giants like OpenAI free access to WhatsApp.

---

[Financial Times] Brussels orders Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI agents Emergency measures signal EU efforts to intervene over rapidly developing market for autonomous agents

---

[Le Monde] EU orders Meta to open Whatsapp to rival AI chatbots within five days The European Commission said it has the power to impose a fine of up to 10% of the company's total turnover in the business year preceding the infringement if Meta 'either intentionally or negligently' contravenes the decision on interim measures.

=== EARLIER COVERAGE / BACKGROUND (context only — do NOT lead with this) === European officials ordered Meta to restore free access for rival AI chatbots on its WhatsApp messaging service. The directive requires the company to open its platform so that competing AI services can operate without payment or technical barriers.

Background on the Dispute Meta had previously limited outside AI chatbots from connecting directly to WhatsApp users. Officials said the restrictions violated rules on fair competition in digital markets. The order was first reported by Les Echos.

Meta has not issued a public statement on the directive. The company faces potential penalties if it does not comply within the timeline set by regulators. No specific deadline or fine amount has been disclosed in the reports.

“Meta ordered by EU to allow rival AI chatbots free access to WhatsApp.”

“— Les Echos”