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Meta Hit with EU Antitrust Fine

The European Union fined Meta nearly 800 million euros for anti-competitive practices related to its Marketplace online classified ads service.

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European UnionRegulationCompetitionAntitrustBig TechFine

European CommissionMetaFacebookEuGoogle

Margrethe Vestager

How did Meta respond to the EU's decision?: Meta argues that the Commission's decision ignores the fact that Facebook users can choose whether or not to use Marketplace and that other online classified ad services continue to thrive.
What specific practices did the EU find to be anti-competitive?: The EU's investigation found that Meta's practices gave it unfair advantages over other online classified ad services, violating EU antitrust rules. Meta has been ordered to cease this behavior but plans to appeal the decision.
What was the amount of the fine imposed on Meta by the European Union?: The European Commission fined Meta nearly 800 million euros for abusing its dominant position in the online classified ads market by tying its Marketplace to Facebook and using competitor data.
What is the history and current status of the regulatory investigation?: The case originated in 2021 with dual investigations by EU and British regulators; the British investigation concluded last year after Meta made concessions. Meta faces ongoing EU scrutiny regarding other aspects of its business.
What is the significance of this fine in relation to previous actions against tech companies?: This is the EU's first antitrust fine against Meta, following similar penalties imposed on Google and Apple. The fine reflects the EU's increasing scrutiny of Big Tech companies' practices.

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