iWorld
Zee’s three channels launch in Canada on Jadoo TV
MUMBAI: Zee TV has been launched in Canada’s Jadoo TV on 1 September. The company has reached a subscriber licensing agreement for its flagship networks Zee TV Canada, Zee Punjabi and Zee Cinema with Jadoo TV.
Asia TV USA general manager Sameer Targe said, “Canada is one of the fastest growing markets for us. Our business has more than tripled in last two years. This move helps us to further consolidate our position in the market. Jadoo TV has been one of the pioneers in over the top play, which has been the fastest growing category of access.”
Jadoo TV founder and CEO Sajid Sohail added, “We’re excited about bringing Zee TV channels to the largest South Asian viewership base in Canada on Jadoo TV. Zee TV is not only popular amongst the Indian diaspora in Canada, but also has great appeal amongst the greater South Asian community. The addition of Zee TV, Zee Cinema, and Zee Punjabi will enhance our entertainment offering, making JadooTV the best value for end users. With this agreement, Jadoo TV has further cemented its position as market leader in the OTT space for South Asian diaspora worldwide.”
Zee TV Canada is currently available on all satellite, cable, telco and IPTV platforms. Zee TV Canada will be available in HD to all Jadoo TV subscribers.
iWorld
Meta opens Whatsapp to rival AI chatbots in Europe
Company allows access via Business API for 12 months to address EU antitrust concerns.
MUMBAI: Meta just cracked the door for rival AIs on Whatsapp because when regulators knock with antitrust gloves on, even the closed garden lets a few guests in. Meta Platforms will permit rival artificial intelligence chatbots to operate on Whatsapp in Europe for the next 12 months through the Whatsapp Business API, the company announced on 7 March 2026. The move comes in direct response to warnings from the European Commission, which last month signalled possible interim measures after rival complaints that Meta’s restrictions could cause “serious and irreparable harm” to competitors.
Meta had barred non-Meta AI chatbots from the platform on 15 January, limiting users to its own Meta AI assistant. The company will now charge a fee for rival AI services to access the Business API in Europe.
“For the next 12 months, we’ll support general purpose AI chatbots using the Whatsapp Business API in Europe in response to the European Commission’s regulatory process,” a Meta spokesperson said. “We believe that this removes the need for any immediate intervention as it gives the European Commission the time it needs to conclude its investigation.”
The European Commission confirmed it is reviewing whether the policy change impacts its assessment of potential interim measures and its ongoing antitrust probe into Meta.
The Interaction Company of California, developer of the Poke.com AI assistant and one of the complainants to EU and Italian regulators, criticised the proposal, though specific objections were not detailed.
The decision follows earlier action in Italy, where Meta allowed rival AI chatbots on Whatsapp in January after an order from the country’s antitrust authority. The Italian investigation continues.
A similar situation unfolded in Brazil, where Meta said the new policy will also apply after a court reinstated an injunction from the country’s antitrust authority that had been temporarily suspended in January.
Meta has long argued that hosting multiple chatbots strains its systems and that AI providers have alternative distribution channels, including app stores, search engines, email services, operating systems and partnerships.
In a regulatory landscape where closed platforms face growing scrutiny, Meta’s temporary opening isn’t just a concession, it’s a calculated pause, buying time to keep the conversation going while the competition knocks louder.
