Meta will permit rival AI chatbots on its WhatsApp platform in Europe and Brazil in exchange for a fee. This move responds to an antitrust investigation by the European Commission regarding potential market position abuse.
Developers will pay between €0.0490 and €0.1323 per non-template message. These rates vary depending on the specific country of operation.
The new policy will remain in effect for 12 months while the EU continues its broader investigation. This structure temporarily resolves a dispute where regulators threatened Meta with interim measures for previously restricting outside AI players.
Smaller competitors have labeled the pricing structure as vexatious and prohibitive. Critics argue the fees create a new barrier to entry for the market.