Meta is reversing its decision to close its instant messaging app WhatsApp to third-party chatbots. This turnaround should not be surprising since European authorities had immediately threatened immediate countermeasures, considering the Menlo Park giant’s move harmful to the principles of free competition.
META’S MIDDLE-GROUND SOLUTION
However, Meta’s new strategy should not be seen as a total retreat. First of all, because it is a temporary solution, currently concerning only 2026. Secondly, Meta intends to charge tolls to third-party chatbots: prices will range from 0.0490 to 0.1323 per message, depending on the country.
“Starting from February 16, 2026, in countries where Meta is legally required to support the use of the WhatsApp Business platform by AI providers, it will charge AI providers for the costs of non-model-based messages sent to WhatsApp users in those countries,” reads the latest update of the Terms of Use.
Moreover, Meta had decided to close the chat app to third-party chatbots precisely for economic reasons related to the increased workload recorded on the Business API: it is understandable that for this opening it requests financial support.
CHATBOTS RETURN, BUT DOUBTS REMAIN
However, it will be necessary to understand whether this toll will be accepted by the European Commission or seen as a new way to make life harder for third parties using WhatsApp for their Artificial Intelligence chatbots. The risk is that Menlo Park will again be accused of acting to favor its proprietary algorithm, Meta AI, which had sparked considerable controversy when it suddenly appeared on the instant messaging app, especially here in Europe.
