WhatsApp suspends AI chatbot fee; opens door on EU talks to resolve probe
By Lewis Crofts ( May 12, 2026, 15:43 GMT | Insight) -- WhatsApp is putting on hold — for one month — fees demanded from the likes of OpenAI and Poke.com for distributing chatbots over the messaging platform, MLex has learned. The move will allow negotiations with EU officials over a broader solution to antitrust concerns. The European Commission welcomed the move, saying it was equivalent to what it would impose on the company as part of an interim injunction, and a window was now open for discussions to resolve the probe with voluntary commitments.WhatsApp is putting on hold — for one month — fees demanded from the likes of OpenAI and Poke.com for distributing their chatbots over the messaging platform, in a move designed to allow the company and EU officials to negotiate a broader solution to antitrust concerns, MLex has learned....
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