Meta Platforms META +0.69% ▲ is providing rival artificial intelligence (A.I.) chatbots with free access to its WhatsApp social media platform for one month.
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The unusual move comes as the social media company works to address concerns raised by European Union (EU) antitrust regulators. Specifically, Meta making WhatsApp available to rivals for free as the European Commission considers whether to mandate Meta to open WhatsApp to competing AI chatbots.
The EU antitrust enforcer responded positively to Meta’s announcement. Regulators in Europe have been upset with Meta after the company implemented a policy on Jan. 15 that restricted WhatsApp to its own Meta AI assistant.
Meta’s Regulatory Hurdles
Meta, which has faced increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers in Europe and the U.S., revised its policy concerning WhatsApp in March, allowing rival chatbots to access the messaging platform in exchange for a fee.
The tech company is currently in discussions with European regulators regarding commitments to resolve the competition concerns. The regulatory headaches in Europe come after a series of court defeats held Meta liable for harms caused to children and teens who use its social media platforms that also include Facebook and Instagram.
Is META Stock a Buy?
The stock of Meta Platforms has a consensus Strong Buy rating among 38 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 31 Buy and seven Hold recommendations issued in the last three months. The average META price target of $817.71 implies 36% upside from current levels.