Developers Push Back as Meta Charges for AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

[nihalsari]

While Meta has begun allowing rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp in Brazil, developers say the pricing model may make it difficult to compete. Companies that want to offer AI services through the WhatsApp Business API will need to pay a fee per message, a move Meta says is required where regulators demand open access to its platform.

Some startups remain cautious about returning to the messaging platform because of the costs involved. One of the companies behind the complaint, Zapia, welcomed the regulatory ruling from Administrative Council for Economic Defense but stressed that innovation depends on keeping major platforms open. The startup also said it plans to challenge similar restrictions across other parts of Latin America.

[etfs]

Meta charging per message feels like “welcome to the club, but membership is $0.0625 per ping”

[The_Walking_Dead]

Open platforms… with a price tag.

[bred]

APIs free in theory, expensive in practice.

[Capybara_Capybara]

Messaging turning into a business battlefield

[UndeadBeastMonkeykiller]

Innovation meets platform fees again.

[Revenant]

Developers paying per conversation now.

[d82ae58262]

AI bots entering the chat economy.

[059d96d16a]

Platforms open doors, but charge rent.

[9777089235]

The messaging ecosystem getting competitive.