The European Union has directed Meta Platforms to restore access to WhatsApp for rival AI chatbot developers as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation. The EU's executive Commission, responsible for enforcing competition laws across its 27 member states, is concerned that Meta's practices could stifle competition in the rapidly growing AI market. The Commission has implemented interim measures to ensure that competitors can continue to operate while the investigation unfolds. Meta has expressed its intention to appeal this decision, arguing that it represents regulatory overreach and unfairly benefits major companies like OpenAI at the expense of smaller European firms. The scrutiny of Meta's policies intensified after regulators identified potential violations of EU law, specifically regarding the blocking of third-party AI assistants from accessing WhatsApp. This move is part of the EU's effort to address longstanding criticisms about the slow pace of antitrust actions against large technology firms, emphasizing the need for timely interventions in fast-evolving markets. The Commission's executive vice-president, Teresa Ribera, noted that competition could be irreparably harmed before a final decision is made, highlighting the urgency of the situation.