Meta Gains EU Court Win on Marketplace, Messenger Remains Under DMA Rules
META•EU General Court ruled regulators erred in designating Facebook Marketplace under the DMA, potentially lifting previous restrictions, while upholding Messenger’s gatekeeper status. Meta faces continued €200 million DMA fine and a €798 million 2024 competition penalty on Marketplace, preserving stringent regulatory scrutiny in its largest European markets.
1. EU Court Finds Errors in Marketplace Designation
The EU General Court concluded that regulators failed to properly assess major changes Meta made to Facebook Marketplace before labeling it a core platform service, citing reliance on incomplete evidence and hypothetical analysis. This decision reinstates Meta’s argument that previous DMA restrictions lacked clear justification.
2. Messenger Status Remains Under DMA
The court upheld the European Commission’s designation of Messenger as a gatekeeper service, maintaining strict obligations on user data access, interoperability requirements and reporting standards. This ruling ensures Messenger continues to face rules designed to prevent anti-competitive practices.
3. Financial Impact and Previous Penalties
Meta has already incurred a €200 million fine under the DMA for other violations and a separate €798 million penalty on Marketplace in 2024 under traditional competition law. The split decision could moderate future compliance costs but keeps significant financial risks alive in Europe.
4. Meta's Response and Appeal Options
Meta welcomed the Marketplace judgment and stated it is reviewing the Messenger ruling, with the option to appeal to the European Court of Justice. The company emphasized its ongoing efforts to align services with DMA requirements while protecting its business model.
