On Wednesday, Italy’s antitrust regulator, the Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM), ordered Meta to suspend the implementation of contractual clauses that might bar competing artificial intelligence chatbots from operating on the WhatsApp platform. Additionally, the AGCM launched an investigation into Meta’s alleged abuse of its dominant market position. A Meta spokesperson contended that the decision was fundamentally flawed and indicated that the company would file an appeal. Earlier this year, in July, the authority had already commenced a related investigation, and in November, it broadened the scope of its inquiry.

The AGCM highlighted that Meta’s actions had the potential to constrain market supply, limit access, and stifle technological advancements, ultimately harming consumer interests. This stringent regulatory approach in Europe sharply contrasts with the relatively lenient stance in the United States, a divergence that has drawn criticism from both the industry and the Trump administration. At present, the AGCM is working in tandem with the European Commission to address this issue.