**Italy Demands WhatsApp Suspend AI Chatbot Ban**
Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali, has instructed Meta to suspend its new policy preventing rival AI chatbots from operating on WhatsApp. The move comes amidst concerns over competition and data handling practices.
Meta recently updated its terms of service for WhatsApp, introducing a clause that would prohibit third-party AI chatbots from using the platform, effectively limiting users to Meta’s own AI solutions. However, the Italian regulator views this as potentially anti-competitive and a possible breach of data protection principles, arguing that the policy could restrict user choice and fair access to services.
The Garante has given Meta a short deadline to respond and comply with the suspension request, signaling a potential showdown over the integration of AI services within popular messaging platforms and the broader implications for digital market competition and user privacy.