Meta offers rival AI chatbots free WhatsApp access in Europe up to a message limit, but competitors say the offer does not address their core concern

Meta Platforms proposed letting outside AI assistants use WhatsApp's business API in Europe without charge up to a certain message limit, after which Meta would begin charging fees.

Meta AI does not need to use WhatsApp's API in the same way outside chatbots do, giving it a structural advantage that smaller AI companies say the new offer fails to remedy.

The proposal comes as the European Commission reviews whether Meta gave its own AI assistant an unfair advantage on WhatsApp and considers requiring broader access during the investigation.

Meta had earlier limited WhatsApp access to Meta AI before changing its policy in March and allowing rivals to use the platform for a fee.