Meta to exclude Italy from rival chatbot ban on WhatsApp


People walk behind a logo of Meta Platforms company, during a conference in Mumbai, India, September 20, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

BRUSSELS, Jan ‌12 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms will exclude Italy from its ban on rival AI ‌chatbots on WhatsApp following an order from the country's antitrust authority, according ‌to a notice sent to AI providers and developers seen by Reuters.

The Italian watchdog AGCM last month ordered Meta to suspend its proposed ban while the watchdog investigates the company for suspected abuse of its ‍market power following complaints from rivals. The European Commission ‍too is probing Meta over whether ‌it abused its dominance by blocking rival AI chatbots from its messaging service WhatsApp, ‍but ​did not issue any interim order.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Lucid unveils steering wheel-free robotaxi concept, taking aim at Tesla's Cybercab
US appeals court throws out injunction against California law on children's online safety
Microsoft's Rajesh Jha, head of experiences and devices unit, to retire
Ukraine opens battlefield data access to allies' AI models
SoftBank-backed PayPay shares set to open 38% above IPO price
Exclusive-Italian prosecutors seek trial for Amazon, four execs over alleged $1.4 billion tax evasion
Pentagon CTO says 'no chance' of renewed Anthropic negotiations
Bumble shares surge as investors swipe right on AI-powered reboot
US insurers and hospitals turn to new AI for age-old battle over charges vs payments
Google names London office 'Platform 37' in a nod to railway neighbour, AI 'Go' match

Others Also Read