Report: FTC considering Facebook injunction over antitrust concerns

Officials at the Federal Trade Commission are weighing seeking a preliminary injunction against Facebook over antitrust concerns, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Where it stands: Such an injunction would seek to bar Facebook from integrating different products. Facebook also owns Facebook Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. A majority of the FTC's five member board would need to vote in favor of seeking an injunction in federal court.

Our thought bubble, via Axios' Scott Rosenberg: "If it seeks such a preliminary injunction, the commission’s aim is likely to prevent Facebook from preemptively integrating products in ways that would hinder future antitrust remedies. More product integration means more barriers to possible government efforts to get Facebook to spin out or sell off services like Instagram or WhatsApp."

Go deeper:

• Feds crank up antitrust heat on Big Tech
• States to open Facebook antitrust probe
• Top regulators battle to crack down on tech giants