Meta finds itself navigating turbulent regulatory waters as it approaches a pivotal earnings announcement this week. The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched a formal investigation into WhatsApp's data handling practices, casting a significant shadow over the tech giant's operations. This development arrives just days after Meta took the drastic step of suspending access to its AI character chatbots for teenage users across its global platforms.
Ofcom's Formal Investigation into WhatsApp
Britain's communications watchdog, Ofcom, confirmed it is examining whether Meta provided "incomplete or inaccurate" information about WhatsApp during a comprehensive market review. This review specifically focused on business messaging services, a sector where companies utilise platforms to send customers authentication codes, delivery notifications, and appointment reminders.
The probe centres on Meta's responses to statutory information requests issued in July 2024 and June 2025. These legal demands required the company to supply detailed data on how WhatsApp Business operates within the application-to-person messaging market. Ofcom has emphasised that the information gathered through such statutory requests forms a "key part" of its regulatory oversight, warning that failure to comply with legal requirements could result in enforcement action.
While the regulator has not disclosed which specific aspects of Meta's submissions are under scrutiny, the investigation represents a serious escalation in regulatory pressure. A Meta spokesperson responded by stating the company takes its obligations seriously, commits "significant resources" to responding to regulators, and will cooperate fully with the investigation.
Growing Regulatory Challenges Across Europe
The UK probe adds to an expanding list of regulatory challenges confronting Meta across both the UK and Europe. The company is already facing scrutiny over various issues including child safety measures, age verification controls, and the handling of illegal gambling advertisements on its platforms. This latest investigation into WhatsApp's data practices further complicates Meta's regulatory landscape during a crucial financial period.
Global Suspension of AI Chatbots for Teenagers
In a separate but related development, Meta confirmed it had suspended access to its AI character chatbots for teenagers across Instagram, Messenger, and other applications. The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, announced that underage users globally will be blocked from interacting with the AI personas while Meta develops stronger parental controls and a reworked, teen-specific AI experience.
This significant pause followed numerous reports and lawsuits alleging inappropriate chatbot interactions with minors. These incidents have raised substantial concerns about emotionally realistic AI systems and their potential impact on younger, more vulnerable users. Meta has described this move as temporary, aimed at buying crucial time to strengthen safeguards and create a more appropriate AI environment for teenage audiences.
Earnings Week Under Intensified Scrutiny
These twin developments place renewed and intense focus on Meta's governance of both data practices and artificial intelligence systems ahead of its quarterly results, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January. The timing is particularly significant as four of the so-called "Magnificent 7" tech giants are due to report their earnings this week, placing Meta's performance and regulatory challenges under the financial spotlight.
The combination of the Ofcom investigation into WhatsApp's data handling and the global suspension of AI chatbots for teenagers creates a complex narrative for Meta's leadership to navigate. As regulators increase their scrutiny of tech giants' operations and data practices, Meta's responses to these challenges will likely influence both investor confidence and future regulatory approaches across the digital landscape.
