A576 - The Italian Competition Authority launches investigation into Meta over abuse of dominant position
PRESS RELEASE
In March 2025, Meta, which holds a dominant position in the market for consumer communications apps, decided to pre-install its artificial intelligence service on the WhatsApp app. In doing so, Meta may be “imposing” the use of its chatbot and AI assistance services on its users
The Italian Competition Authority, acting in close cooperation with the competent departments of the European Commission, has decided to launch an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc., Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, WhatsApp Ireland Limited and Facebook Italy S.r.l. – referred to as Meta – over a suspected abuse of dominant position in violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
As of March 2025, Meta – which holds a dominant position in the market for consumer communications apps – decided to pre-install its artificial intelligence service, named Meta AI, by combining it with its WhatsApp service, without any prior request from users. Furthermore, Meta AI is placed in a prominent position on the screen and integrated into the search bar.
Meta AI is a Chatbot or AI Assistant service that uses artificial intelligence technology to respond to general-purpose queries of various kinds and to offer forms of interaction similar to virtual assistants.
By combining Meta AI with WhatsApp, Meta appears capable of channelling its customer base into the emerging market, not through merit-based competition, but by “imposing” the availability of the two distinct services upon users, potentially harming competitors.
According to the Authority, there is thus a risk that users may become “locked in” or functionally dependent on Meta AI, not least because, by using the information provided over time, it appears that the responses generated by the service become increasingly useful and relevant.
An inspection at the premises of Meta’s Italian subsidiary, Facebook Italy S.r.l., was carried out yesterday by the Authority’s officials, assisted by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza).
Rome, 30 July 2025