"Because Meta is a "gatekeeper" of a large platform according to the Digital Markets Act, it must allow integrations with WhatsApp. Currently, the Meta AI chatbot has an advantage within WhatsApp. It is a separate button within the application just above the shortcut key for writing a message. The European Commission wants to change this. It seems that the European government agency is aiming for a solution similar to what once applied to internet browsers on Windows: a selection screen."
"However, "General Purpose AI" such as the functionality of ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude is not allowed under Meta's recently introduced policy. The reason for this is obvious. If Meta did allow this, WhatsApp would merely become a conduit for chats that could also take place in other applications. But because WhatsApp plays a central role in digital communication according to the European Commission, this option must be allowed."
"The Commission sent a statement of objections to Meta warning the company about measures to prevent further market damage. Specifically, this concerns the WhatsApp Business API, to which competing chatbots do not have access. "Meta's behavior risks blocking competitors from entering or expanding in the fast-growing market for AI assistants," the Commission said. Under EU rules, competition regulators can temporarily prohibit companies from continuing suspicious practice"
Meta is designated a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act and must allow third-party integrations with WhatsApp. The Meta AI chatbot currently has privileged placement inside WhatsApp, accessible via a separate button above the message shortcut. The European Commission objects and seeks either a browser-style selection screen or an alternative UI signaling equal access, such as allowing third-party chatbots to start conversations via a shortcut. The WhatsApp Business API already permits customer-service bots but blocks general-purpose AI assistants. The Commission sent a statement of objections citing that restricted API access risks blocking competitors, and EU rules allow temporary prohibitions of suspicious practices.
Read at Techzine Global
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