Federal regulators, states file antitrust lawsuits against Facebook

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Lawsuits allege Facebook dominance deprives consumers of pro-privacy choices

U.S. PIRG

WASHINGTON — Federal regulators and 46 state attorneys general filed lawsuits against Facebook on Wednesday, aiming to force the breakup of the technology and social media giant. The suits accused Facebook of illegally buying up smaller competitors, including WhatsApp and Instagram, breaking antitrust laws and preventing fair market competition.

The states’ lawsuit is led by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The suit is filed on behalf of 46 U.S. states, Guam and the District of Columbia. 

In response, Ed Mierzwinski, U.S. PIRG’s senior director for federal consumer programs, issued the following statement:

“U.S. PIRG welcomes the Facebook lawsuits by 48 state and territorial attorneys general and federal regulators. It’s time that the courts put an end to BigTech’s specious claim that its products are ‘free,’ so ‘consumer welfare’ is not infringed upon and the antitrust laws don’t apply. 

Actually, consumers pay with our data, through a Big Tech business model of constant corporate surveillance and manipulation. We look forward to the lawsuit unwinding the alleged predatory acquisition of companies that could have been innovative competitors, offering pro-privacy choices in the marketplace.”

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