Meta faces UK probe over alleged inaccuracies in WhatsApp data disclosure

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has formally opened an investigation into Meta over potential inaccuracies in data it was legally required to provide about WhatsApp's role in the business messaging ecosystem. The probe, listed on Ofcom's enforcement register, centers on two statutory notices issued under the Communications Act 2003 that demanded detailed information about WhatsApp Business's competitive position in the application-to-person (A2P) messaging market.

The Legal Foundation

The investigation stems from two specific statutory notices served to Meta on July 31, 2024, and June 19, 2025, under section 135 of the Communications Act 2003. These notices are not voluntary requests; they carry the force of law. Section 135 empowers regulators to demand information from communications providers, and compliance is mandatory. The information sought relates to how WhatsApp Business operates within the A2P messaging market—the infrastructure companies use to send automated messages to customers about delivery updates, appointment reminders, and two-factor authentication codes.

Ofcom's concern is that the information Meta provided may not meet the required standards of completeness and accuracy. In regulatory terms, this is a serious allegation. Section 138 of the same Act grants Ofcom enforcement powers if providers fail to comply with statutory information requests. The regulator's statement underscores the gravity: "The information gathered through statutory information requests is a key part of Ofcom's work and informs how it carries out its statutory functions as a regulator. It is therefore crucial that stakeholders provide accurate and complete information in a timely fashion."

Why This Matters for Business Messaging

The A2P messaging market is a critical, though often invisible, component of modern digital commerce. Unlike person-to-person messaging, A2P involves businesses sending automated messages to consumers. This market is dominated by a few players, and WhatsApp Business has become a significant force, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that use it for customer engagement.

Ofcom's review of this market is designed to understand competitive dynamics, pricing structures, and potential barriers to entry. Accurate data is essential for this analysis. If Meta's submissions are incomplete or inaccurate, it could distort the regulator's understanding of the market, potentially affecting future policy decisions or enforcement actions aimed at ensuring fair competition.

Meta's Response and Broader Context

Meta has stated that it "takes regulatory obligations seriously and devotes significant resources to responding to requests for information in a timely and accurate manner." The company added that it will cooperate with Ofcom's investigation. This response is standard for companies under regulatory scrutiny, but the investigation itself signals that Ofcom is not satisfied with Meta's initial compliance.

This probe adds to Meta's growing list of regulatory challenges in the UK and Europe. The company has faced scrutiny over age verification for child protection, gambling advertisements, and its retreat from the metaverse. Globally, competition authorities are increasingly focused on Big Tech's market power, and this investigation fits within that broader pattern of heightened oversight.

What Changes Next

Ofcom will continue its investigation, with updates expected on its enforcement page. The outcome could range from a finding of no wrongdoing to enforcement action, which might include fines or other penalties. More importantly, the case highlights the importance of accurate data disclosure in regulated markets. For businesses using WhatsApp Business, the investigation could lead to changes in how the platform operates or how it competes in the A2P market.

For now, the investigation serves as a reminder that regulatory compliance is not merely about responding to requests—it's about providing accurate, complete information that regulators can rely on to make informed decisions. As digital markets evolve, the scrutiny on data disclosure will only intensify, making accuracy a non-negotiable aspect of regulatory engagement.