European Union: European Commission published provisional non-confidential version of decision imposing EUR 797.72 million on Meta for anti-competitive usage of collected advertising data for Facebook Marketplace (Case AT 40684)

On 26 March 2025, the European Commission published the provisional non-confidential version of the decision of 14 November 2024, which found that Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc. had abused their dominant position under Article 102 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 54 European Economic Area. It was highlighted that Facebook Marketplace and Facebook were tied and used competitors' advertising data. The Commission delineated distinct product markets for personal social networking services and online classified advertising, concluding that Meta held a dominant position in the former. The relevant geographic market was determined to be at least EEA-wide, and the identified abuses were found to distort competition across Member States. The Commission determined that both Meta entities were jointly and severally liable, and it further confirmed its jurisdiction based on the cross-border effects of the conduct. The remedies imposed included a directive for Meta to cease the infringing practices within 60 days and the imposition of fines totalling EUR 797.72 million for the use of advertising data.