Brasília, January 12, 2026 — The Brazilian authority has opened an administrative inquiry into Meta and imposed a preventive measure suspending the application of WhatsApp’s new artificial intelligence-related terms, citing concerns that the changes could harm market dynamics in sectors using AI tools.
CADE’s investigative arm said it is examining suspected abuse of dominance linked to the introduction of the new WhatsApp Business Solution Terms. According to the authority, the terms govern how providers of AI tools can access and offer their technologies to WhatsApp users.
Preventive Measure
As part of the inquiry, CADE ordered the immediate suspension of the new terms until the authority completes its initial assessment of the potential violations identified. The preventive measure is intended to preserve existing market conditions and ensure the effectiveness of the investigation.
The authority said it is assessing whether the proposed changes could lead to market foreclosure, exclude competing AI providers, or unduly favor Meta’s proprietary AI tool, Meta AI, which could become the only option available to users on the platform.
Next Steps
Following the opening of the inquiry, the companies under investigation will be formally notified and given an opportunity to present their views. CADE said it will also gather information from market participants to assess whether the conduct amounts to a breach of the economic order.
At the conclusion of the inquiry, CADE may decide to open a full administrative proceeding or close the case.
The authority noted that alleged abuses of dominance in digital markets, particularly those involving artificial intelligence tools, are under scrutiny by competition agencies in Brazil and internationally.
