Back to all articles
•Economy

Meta Allows Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp in Brazil Following Antitrust Ruling

View original source

Meta has agreed to allow rival AI companies to provide their chatbots on WhatsApp to Brazilian users for a fee, following similar decisions in Europe. This decision comes after Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, ruled against Meta, rejecting its appeal to prevent third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp.

  • CADE Tribunal's Decision: The tribunal determined there were necessary requirements to uphold the preventive measure due to WhatsApp's significant role in the Brazilian market.
  • Competitive Concerns: CADE indicated that prohibiting third-party AI chatbots would be disproportionate and could harm competition.
  • Meta's Response: Meta will allow third-party AI chatbot providers to use its WhatsApp Business API, charging $0.0625 per non-template message in Brazil starting from March 11. The company maintains that chatbots strain their systems and that the API was not meant for AI integration.
  • Reactions: Firms like Zapia, which filed complaints, praised the ruling, highlighting the importance of competition and openness for innovation. However, developers express concerns that Meta's pricing is high and may impose significant costs.