The European Commission has fined Meta a record €797.72 million for antitrust violations. This decision marks a significant step in the EU’s action against unfair business practices, particularly in the online advertising sector. The fine was imposed for integrating the Facebook Marketplace service with the Facebook social network, an action considered abusive towards other advertising providers.
Brussels has revealed that Meta has abused its dominant position in the markets for social networking services and online advertising on social platforms. Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager has stressed that the company has imposed unfavourable trading conditions on other operators in the sector.
Vestager says Meta must “put an end to this behaviour”, highlighting the need to ensure fair competition in the advertising market. This intervention not only aims to protect the rights of competitors but also to protect consumers, ensuring that they have access to a variety of services without being influenced by monopolistic practices.
The size of the fine reflects the European Union’s commitment to strengthening the regulation of big tech companies. With this action, the EU aims to set higher standards for transparency and fairness in the digital market. In a context where social media platforms dominate online communication, the Meta case could serve as a precedent for future investigations and regulatory interventions. The authorities’ growing attention to digital market dynamics suggests that other companies may face similar challenges. The evolution of antitrust policies in Europe therefore represents not only a response to potentially abusive practices, but also a step towards greater fairness in the global commercial landscape.
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