## WhatsApp AI Chatbot Ban Halted in Brazil Brazil's competition watchdog has ordered WhatsApp to put on hold its policy that bars third-party AI companies from using its business API to offer chatbots on the app. ## Investigation into Anti-Competitive Practices Alongside the order, the agency has also started an investigation against the company to determine if the policy is anti-competitive. The goal is to assess whether Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is abusing its dominant position in the instant messaging market. ## General Context Brazil's decision comes amid growing global attention to the practices of large technology companies and their impact on competition and innovation. The use of AI-powered chatbots is becoming increasingly common to automate customer service and provide personalized assistance, and WhatsApp's restriction could limit the options available to businesses and consumers.