(AOF) – The European Commission has informed Meta, the parent company of Facebook, that it considers, on a preliminary basis, that this company has violated European Union rules on anticompetitive practices by distorting competition on the markets. online advertisements. Brussels criticizes Meta for linking its online advertising service, Facebook Marketplace, to its personal social network, Facebook. It is also concerned that Meta may impose unfair trading conditions on Facebook Marketplace competitors for its own benefit.
On the one hand, explains the Commission, Meta links its online advertising service Facebook Marketplace to its dominant personal social network Facebook. This means that Facebook users automatically have access to Facebook Marketplace whether they want it or not. The Commission is concerned that Facebook Marketplace competitors could be squeezed out since the privilege gives Facebook a substantial distribution advantage that competitors cannot match.
On the other hand, Meta unilaterally imposes unfair terms of trade on competing online ad services that advertise on Facebook or Instagram. Brussels is concerned that the terms and conditions, which allow Meta to use advertising data from competitors for the benefit of Facebook Marketplace, are unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary for the provision of online display advertising services on Meta’s platforms .
If, after the undertaking has exercised its rights of defence, the Commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of the existence of an infringement, it may adopt a decision prohibiting the conduct in question and imposing a fine of up to reach up to 10% of the worldwide annual turnover of the company concerned.
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