The European Union has fined Meta a staggering $840 million for allegedly breaching antitrust regulations by automatically granting Facebook users access to its Marketplace feature for classified ads.
According to an AFP report, the European Commission accused the U.S.-based tech giant of exploiting its dominant market position by imposing unfair trading conditions on competing online classified ad services.
EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager stated, “This conduct is illegal under the EU’s antitrust rules. Meta must cease this behavior immediately.”
In response, Meta announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling fails to reflect the realities of Europe’s thriving online classified ads market. A Meta spokesperson noted, “Facebook users have the choice to engage with Marketplace, and many do not.”
This fine is part of the EU’s broader crackdown on big tech companies, marking yet another significant penalty imposed on dominant players in the digital market.
