Meta brings AI features to the EU after settling with regulators

In March 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced plans to introduce its artificial intelligence features in the European Union following prolonged delays. Initially, a chatbot with AI will be rolled out in six European languages, marking the beginning of Meta's efforts to offer the same functionalities that have been available in the United States since 2023. The introduction is set to take place across 41 European countries, and the AI assistant will be accessible for free on various apps, including WhatsApp and Messenger. The rollout comes after a setback last year when the Irish data protection authority opposed the use of publicly available posts from Facebook and Instagram to train the AI. Meta contended that using EU posts could better tailor the AI to meet specific regional needs. Throughout this period, Meta has faced criticism for its practices, particularly concerning European regulatory requirements. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has openly criticized EU regulations, stating they are overly restrictive. The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from EU officials, as the European Commission is still awaiting assessments related to the Digital Services Act (DSA), indicating that oversight is still a concern. As the company strives to align its operations with EU regulations, the implementation of these AI tools reflects Meta's desire to enhance user experience while complying with legal frameworks. The move to launch AI features in Europe is indicative of a larger trend where tech giants must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to operate effectively within diverse markets. By working through prior conflicts with regulators and adjusting its approach, Meta aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing AI sector while building trust among European users.