The European Commission said on Monday it informed Meta, Facebook’s parent company, that it was potentially in breach of European Union (EU) anti-competition laws by distorting competition in online advertising markets and abusing its position. dominant.
“The Commission 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,” the Commission said in a statement conveying its preliminary opinion.
Fine of up to 10% of turnover
Meta spokesman Tim Lamb said the European Commission’s allegations were baseless.
“We will continue to work with regulators to ensure that our product innovation is good for consumers and good for competition,” he added.
Sending a statement of objections does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation, the Commission said, adding that if it found an infringement, it could impose a fine of up to to 10% of the worldwide annual turnover of the company concerned.