Meta Stock: Brussels Prepares Antitrust Investigation Into WhatsApp AI

TLDR

• Brussels preparing to launch antitrust probe into Meta’s WhatsApp AI integration
• Investigation examines Meta AI system rollout in messaging platform from earlier this year
• Announcement expected this week, potentially Thursday
• Meta stock fell 1.16% on the news
• Probe adds to company’s regulatory challenges in Europe

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The European Commission is gearing up to investigate Meta Platforms over how it integrated artificial intelligence into WhatsApp. The probe marks another regulatory headache for the social media giant in Europe.

Brussels wants to examine Meta’s rollout of its AI system within the messaging app earlier this year. Two officials briefed on the matter spoke to the Financial Times about the planned investigation.

An announcement could drop as soon as Thursday. The timing remains fluid and could change.

Meta stock dipped 1.16% after reports of the investigation surfaced. Investors are watching closely as regulatory pressure on the company intensifies.

Meta Platforms, Inc., META

Growing European Scrutiny

The EU has made policing big tech a priority. Meta finds itself in regulators’ crosshairs frequently.

This investigation zeroes in on Meta AI’s integration into WhatsApp. Regulators appear concerned about potential competition violations.

Meta introduced AI features to WhatsApp users this year. The tools include automated chat assistance and other AI-powered capabilities.

The company hasn’t released a statement about the expected probe. Sources say the formal announcement is imminent.

AI Strategy Faces Questions

WhatsApp ranks among Meta’s most widely used products globally. Billions of people rely on the messaging service daily.

AI development has become central to Meta’s business strategy. The company is pouring resources into building and deploying AI across its platforms.

European regulators are paying close attention to AI implementation on dominant platforms. The investigation will likely assess whether Meta’s methods create unfair competitive advantages.

Meta views AI as crucial to its future product lineup. The company continues expanding these capabilities despite regulatory concerns.

The tech giant has weathered multiple regulatory storms in Europe already. Privacy issues, market dominance allegations, and content moderation problems have all drawn scrutiny.

Brussels has positioned itself as a global leader in tech regulation. This investigation continues that trend.

Investigation Timeline

The probe will review how Meta AI rolled out to WhatsApp users. Data practices related to the feature will likely come under examination.

Officials suggest Thursday could bring the formal announcement. The European Commission hasn’t publicly confirmed any timeline yet.

This represents the latest friction between Silicon Valley and European regulators. The relationship remains tense as enforcement actions pile up.

Meta’s AI features reached WhatsApp users across numerous markets. The investigation scope could be broad.

The commission’s interest in this case reflects broader concerns about AI governance. How major platforms deploy these technologies is becoming a key regulatory focus.

Sources close to the matter indicate the investigation is nearly ready to launch. Meta will face questions about its integration approach and competitive practices.

The probe announcement timing could still shift. However, all signs point to an imminent launch of the investigation into Meta’s WhatsApp AI integration.

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