Meta is testing a way to potentially appease the European Union's antitrust concerns regarding its Facebook Marketplace. A trial will allow some Facebook users in Germany, France, and the U.S. to view eBay listings directly within the Marketplace platform, though transactions will remain on eBay.
This trial follows a nearly $824 million fine levied by the EU against Meta in November for allegedly anti-competitive practices surrounding Marketplace. The EU argued Meta unfairly tied its Marketplace service to its social network, forcing users to see it, and leveraged data for ad advantages.
Meta, in a blog post, stated its aim is to address EU concerns and improve user experience across both platforms. The company intends the arrangement to benefit users on both eBay and Facebook.
While Meta is appealing the EU's decision, the trial seeks a solution. eBay shares rose after the announcement, as the integration of listings is now visible on Facebook Marketplace.
The integration will display a select number of eBay listings across various categories in the designated countries, chosen based on trends and listing quality. Crucially, buyers will complete purchases on eBay, benefitting from their protections and guarantees.
