Comesa Probes Meta for Locking Rival Chatbots Out of WhatsApp

Why It Matters

Restricting third‑party AI on WhatsApp could limit competition and innovation in Africa’s fastest‑growing digital economy, setting a legal benchmark for future tech regulation.

Key Takeaways

• CCCC launches probe into Meta's WhatsApp AI restrictions.
• Meta amended terms Oct 2025, blocking third‑party chatbots.
• Complaint filed by Uganda's AdLegal on Jan 5, 2026.
• Similar antitrust actions ongoing in Italy, Brazil, EU.
• Outcome could set precedent for African digital market.

Pulse Analysis

Meta’s decision to prioritize its own Meta AI within the WhatsApp Business API has triggered a regional antitrust response that mirrors global trends. By revising its Business Solution Terms in October 2025, Meta effectively barred external AI services from a platform that serves millions of businesses across the COMESA market. This move not only raises questions about market dominance but also highlights the strategic importance of messaging apps as gateways for AI deployment in emerging economies.

The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission’s investigation underscores growing regulatory vigilance in Africa’s digital landscape. Leveraging Regulation 36, which targets abuse of dominant positions, the CCCC will assess whether Meta’s unilateral contract changes distort competition or limit consumer choice. The complaint, filed by AdLegal, aligns with recent actions in Italy, Brazil, and the European Union, suggesting a coordinated global push to ensure fair access to critical infrastructure for AI innovators.

If the probe results in remedial measures, it could compel Meta to reopen its API to third‑party chatbots, fostering a more competitive environment for AI services in the region. Such a precedent would encourage other multinational tech firms to adopt more inclusive policies, potentially accelerating AI adoption among African SMEs. Conversely, a lenient outcome may embolden further platform‑centric restrictions, shaping the future balance between platform control and open innovation across the continent.