Italy's antitrust order constrains Meta's WhatsApp control over third-party integrations

Italy's antitrust regulator ordered Meta in December 2024 to remove WhatsApp terms that barred rival AI chatbots from accessing the platform. The decision targets Meta's practice of using access restrictions to maintain competitive advantage. Worth flagging: the ruling may reshape how Meta structures WhatsApp's upcoming premium tier, particularly regarding interoperability and feature restrictions. European regulators are increasingly focused on preventing dominant platforms from weaponizing feature gatekeeping. The order signals a broader regulatory pushback against platform ecosystems built on exclusive control rather than open integration.