European Union regulators have asked Meta to restore access to WhatsApp's Business API for rival companies. This directive is a new chapter in the growing debate over industry competition.
The order follows an investigation into whether Meta unfairly limited rivals from using WhatsApp's business tools while continuing to support its own built-in services. Regulators believe such actions could make it harder for competing firms to reach users and grow their businesses.
The case was opened after repeated complaints submitted by several tech firms including California-based The Interaction Company (creator of the Poke.com assistant), French startup Agentik, and a Spanish competitor. These companies argued that Meta restricted their access to WhatsApp's Business API. This service is widely used by businesses to communicate with customers through the messaging app.
Regulatory scrutiny increased earlier this year when Meta faced allegations of violating competition rules. Concerns also emerged after the company introduced fees for competitors seeking access to WhatsApp's platform. Critics claimed that the move could place smaller developers at a disadvantage compared to Meta's own tools.
According to the EU's latest decision, Meta must reinstate access to the Business API within five working days. The company has also been instructed to provide access under the same terms that existed before October 2025 when restrictions on rival services were first introduced.
The Zuckerberg-led tech giant has pushed back against the ruling and is expected to challenge it. The company maintains that access to such services is typically paid for by businesses. It has also been argued that software providers have several other ways to connect with consumers, including through websites, apps, devices, and operating systems.
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The dispute comes at a time when technology companies are racing to expand their presence in advanced software. Access to popular digital platforms has become increasingly important for developers looking to attract users and compete in a crowded market.
Industry observers are watching the case closely. Its outcome could influence future regulations around platform access and market competition. The decision may also set a benchmark for how regulators handle similar disputes involving large tech companies and emerging services in future.