Meta faces Italian competition investigation over WhatsApp AI chatbot
The watchdog said Meta may have violated European Union competition rules by integrating its Meta AI assistant into WhatsApp without user consent, a move that might harm its competitors.
The company said it was cooperating with the Rome-based authority and that its AI service benefited customers.
'Offering free access to our AI features in WhatsApp gives millions of Italians the choice to use AI in a place they already know, trust and understand," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The authority, known as AGCM, said it acted "in close cooperation with the relevant offices of the European Commission".
Meta AI, which provides chatbot-style responses and virtual assistant functions, has been part of WhatsApp's interface since March 2025, and was included in the app's search bar, the authority said.
The regulator said inclusion could unfairly steer users toward Meta's AI services, potentially harming competitors and locking users into the platform.
"By pairing Meta AI with WhatsApp, Meta appears to be able to steer its user base into the new market not through merit-based competition, but by 'forcing' users to accept the availability of two distinct services, potentially harming competing services", the authority said.
Companies that breach EU competition rules by abusing a dominant position can be fined up to 10% of their worldwide turnover.
The authority said its officials carried out investigations at the offices of Meta's Italian subsidiary with the assistance of Italy's tax police special antitrust unit.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
22 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Oakley Meta HSTN vs. Ray-Ban Meta: The Smart Glasses Showdown
Smart glasses have transitioned from science fiction to reality, and two standout options in this space are the Meta Oakley HSTN and Ray-Ban Meta. These devices combine advanced technologies such as Meta AI, open-ear audio, and seamless app connectivity, but they cater to distinct user preferences. This detailed comparison video from HotshotTek will help you determine which model best suits your lifestyle and needs. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Comfort The Ray-Ban Meta emphasizes versatility and style, offering a range of designs, including Wayfarer, Highlander, and Skylers, alongside numerous color and lens options. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize personalization and aesthetics. In contrast, the Oakley HSTN adopts a sporty, performance-driven design with a single frame style. While its initial color options are limited, future releases are expected to expand its variety. Comfort is another critical factor. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are designed for prolonged wear and are particularly accommodating for users with wider face shapes. On the other hand, the Oakley HSTN may feel tighter on broader faces, making it less ideal for extended use. If your priorities include style and all-day comfort, the Ray-Ban Meta is likely the better option. Camera and Recording Capabilities For those who value high-quality content creation, the Oakley HSTN stands out with its 12MP ultra-wide camera, capable of recording in 3K resolution. This makes it a strong choice for users who need professional-grade photography and videography. In comparison, the Ray-Ban Meta offers 1080p recording, which is sufficient for casual use but falls short for more demanding projects. Both models incorporate advanced features such as HDR, image stabilization, and a 1-second shutter delay to minimize accidental captures. However, if superior resolution is a priority for your creative endeavors, the Oakley HSTN is the clear winner. Battery Life Battery performance is a crucial consideration for any wearable device. The Oakley HSTN excels in this area, offering 7-8 hours of real-world usage compared to the Ray-Ban Meta's 4-5 hours. Both models include charging cases, but the Oakley HSTN's case provides an additional 48 hours of battery life, while the Ray-Ban Meta's case offers 38 hours. For users who require extended battery life for long days or intensive recording sessions, the Oakley HSTN delivers greater reliability and endurance. Audio and Microphone Performance Both models feature open-ear audio technology, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings while enjoying clear sound quality. Noise cancellation is effective on both devices, making sure crisp audio even in noisy environments. Additionally, their microphones are designed to deliver excellent voice clarity, making them suitable for calls and recordings. Whether you're listening to music, taking calls, or recording audio, both the Oakley HSTN and Ray-Ban Meta provide a comparable and satisfying audio experience. Meta AI Integration Meta AI is a standout feature in both models, offering a range of capabilities that enhance their functionality. These include hands-free commands, live translation, and real-time text message notifications. Additional features such as live streaming, object recognition, and even solving equations using the camera further expand their utility. These AI-driven features make the glasses versatile tools for both professional and personal use, adding significant value to the user experience. Controls and Connectivity Both glasses use intuitive touchpad controls for managing volume, media playback, and activating Meta AI. They also connect seamlessly to the Meta app, where users can customize settings and access features like live streaming. This robust app integration ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience for both models. Storage and Durability With 32GB of internal storage, both models can store up to 100 videos or 500 photos, providing ample space for your media needs. Additionally, their IPX4 water resistance protects against light rain or splashes, making sure durability for everyday use. Potential Drawbacks While both models offer impressive features, they are not without limitations: Neither model includes a 'find my device' feature, increasing the risk of misplacement. The Oakley HSTN 's limited design options and snug fit may not suit all users. 's limited design options and snug fit may not suit all users. Both models record in portrait mode by default, which may require cropping for landscape-oriented content. The anticipated third-generation Ray-Ban glasses, rumored to include significant upgrades, are not yet available. Which Smart Glasses Should You Choose? Your decision between the Oakley HSTN and Ray-Ban Meta ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences: Oakley HSTN: Best for content creators and professionals who prioritize superior camera resolution and extended battery life. Best for content creators and professionals who prioritize superior camera resolution and extended battery life. Ray-Ban Meta: Ideal for casual users who value stylish designs, personalization, and all-day comfort. Both models represent the forefront of wearable technology, offering a blend of functionality and innovation. Whether you prioritize style, performance, or battery life, these smart glasses are designed to enhance your daily life and keep you connected in a modern, seamless way. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Meta AI Integration. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Gadgets News, Guides, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Leader Live
22 minutes ago
- Leader Live
AI scams awareness campaign launched in North Wales
The campaign, led by the charity Get Safe Online in collaboration with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aims to help residents use AI safely and confidently this summer. Get Safe Online is a service commissioned by the PCC's office and the police force to provide digital safety information to the public. Mr Dunbobbin, PCC for North Wales, said: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, fighting cybercrime is one of my key priorities and AI is one of the biggest digital and technological innovations of recent years. "It has the power to transform our lives, often for the better. "But with every innovation, there is always a criminal who will try and use it for their own ends, whether that be through fraud, theft, or deception. "As well as using these new technologies, the important thing is for people to educate themselves about the dangers that might be lurking in the shadows. "As the old saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. "That's why I encourage people to follow this new advice from Get Safe Online and stay safe while using the internet and information technology." AI technology now underpins many everyday tools, from virtual assistants to online shopping and entertainment recommendations. While these systems offer convenience, they also present fresh opportunities for cybercriminals. The campaign warns that AI can be used to create convincing scams and other forms of digital deception. To help the public stay safe online, Get Safe Online is sharing practical advice for identifying and avoiding AI-enabled scams. The organisation recommends: Checking the context: Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, even if they appear professional. If the message seems urgent or too good to be true, it could be a scam. Inspecting the details: AI-generated content may be grammatically correct but could include subtle errors, such as odd email addresses, incorrect logos, or unusual phrasing. In images and videos, look for signs that something is not quite right. Verifying identity independently: Do not trust a message alone. Use a known, trusted method to contact the person or organisation and confirm their identity. Get Safe Online also offers more general guidance for using AI tools responsibly. The charity recommends using AI as an aid rather than a replacement for critical thinking. Users should review and refine content generated by AI, and confirm information using reliable sources. Personal and financial information should not be entered into AI tools, as there is a risk that it could be exposed to others through generative AI or search platforms. Staying informed about AI developments and new scam techniques is also encouraged. Special Constable Dwain Barnes from North Wales Police's Cybercrime Team said: "Although Generative AI has the potential to improve many aspects of society, it can also be used by criminals to author convincing phishing emails, create disinformation for social media posts or generate deepfake images and videos that look realistic, making them very difficult to spot. "AI can also clone a person's voice from a few seconds of audio. "Scammers can therefore use AI to impersonate trusted individuals and trick people into transferring money or revealing sensitive information, for example. "It is therefore more important than ever to double check information to ensure that it is from a trusted source and if you receive unexpected requests or messages which might seem urgent or emotional, take your time and verify that they are genuine by contacting the sender directly using a verified means of contact, not by replying to the message or calling the number back." Mr Barnes also offered additional security tips for the public. READ MORE: Plans submitted to build new Home Bargains store in Flintshire He said: "To help you stay safe, use strong long passwords using three random words, turn on two-step verification for all your accounts and don't share those codes with anyone else. "Be mindful about what you are posting online, scammers can download your content and use it to create deepfakes, so it's advisable to have strong privacy settings on your social media accounts. "Also consider agreeing on a secret word or phrase with your family or team members, you can then use this to confirm that it really is them if something doesn't feel right. "Let's keep spreading the word on how scammers are using AI, it's important for more people to understand how AI deepfakes work, which will make it harder for scammers to succeed." Further information and digital safety advice can be found at
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Highland Fuels buys Carnegie Fuels in start of 'new chapter'
It said of its acquisition of Brechin-based Carnegie Fuels: 'This carefully considered partnership represents the coming together of two respected, values-led businesses with deep roots in the Scottish energy sector. 'The decision by the Carnegie family to entrust Highland Fuels with the future of the business follows an extensive sale process. Highland Fuels was selected as the preferred partner due to a strong cultural alignment, shared ethos, and a longstanding reputation for service excellence and community focus.' Highland Fuels became employee-owned in August 2023, and this played a key part in the deal, with the Carnegie Fuels leadership highlighting the importance of ensuring the employees of the Brechin-based business were "looked after" by a new owner. Commenting on behalf of Carnegie Fuels, Kevin Carnegie said: 'This [employee ownership] was a key factor in our decision. We wanted to ensure that our team, many of whom have been with us for years, are looked after not just today but into the future. Joining an employee-owned company like Highland Fuels gives them that stability and a real stake in what comes next.' Highland Fuels said: 'Carnegie Fuels has built a legacy of reliability, trust and local service - qualities that strongly reflect Highland Fuels' own values as a customer-centric and employee-focused company.' It added that, as part of the transaction, Carnegie Fuels would 'continue to operate under its established name and management structure', with Ryan Carnegie appointed as director and Kevin and Rosie Carnegie 'supporting a smooth transition'. Read more Highland Fuels describes itself as 'Scotland's leading independent fuel distributor', operating 11 depots, 16 petrol stations and a fleet of 50 road tankers serving the country. It has 260 employees based across operations which stretch from Lerwick in Shetland to Manchester. Stephen Rhodes, managing director of Highland Fuels, said: 'This is a very positive step for both businesses and for the communities we serve. We're honoured to be continuing the Carnegie legacy and welcoming the team into the Highland Fuels family. This partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to long-term success." He added: "This transaction lays a strong foundation for operational continuity and sustainable growth, delivered with a focus on people, communities, and service excellence. Highland Fuels and Carnegie Fuels share a deep-rooted commitment to professionalism, integrity and reliability. By uniting the strengths of the two companies customers can be confident in a trusted energy partner that is well equipped to meet Scotland's evolving energy needs - today and into the future.'
