Austria: Federal Competition Authority appeals against clearing of Meta (Facebook)/Giphy merger

On 3 March 2022, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority filed an appeal against the Cartel Court’s decision to approve the Meta (Facebook)/Giphy merger, citing “procedural shortcomings”. The merger was approved by the Cartel Court on 7 February 2022 based on several conditions. According to the court decision, Meta, previously Facebook, will have to provide non-discriminatory access to Giphy’s products and libraries to its competitors for five years. The Austrian Federal Competition Authority appealed the court decision, noting that the acquisition will increase Facebook's dominant position in the social media and online advertising market.