Meta has been fined €797.72 million by the European Commission over allegations that it unfairly favored Facebook Marketplace by tying it to its social media platform and limiting competition. The Commission cited the “duration and gravity” of the violations as key factors in the fine, which comes amid a broader EU crackdown on Big Tech.
Meta, whose annual revenue exceeded $135 billion last year, has denied the allegations, stating it has “built systems and controls” to prevent such practices. The company described the Commission’s actions as “disappointing,” defending Facebook Marketplace as a free service.
The fine is part of the EU’s broader enforcement of new regulations like the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. Earlier this year, the EU accused Meta of breaching digital rules with its controversial “pay or consent” model, requiring users to either pay to opt out of data collection or agree to share their data.
In response to regulatory scrutiny, Meta recently introduced less targeted ads for free users in the EU and reduced subscription rates for ad-free services. These changes reflect the ongoing impact of the EU’s regulatory measures on Big Tech’s business models.
