Aug 20, 2020 - Technology

Zuckerberg testified before FTC during antitrust probe into Facebook

Photo: Tobias Hase/Picture Alliance via Getty Images

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified during a Federal Trade Commission hearing this week as part of the agency's antitrust investigation into the social media company, Politico reports.

Why it matters via Axios' Ashley Gold: The FTC deposing Zuckerberg is not a surprising move in an antitrust case that may result in a lawsuit. It also gives the agency some cover after being criticized for not having Zuckerberg testify in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal case.

  • Zuckerberg's testimony could be used to help the FTC and state attorneys general build a case against the social network, per Politico.
  • Yes, but: That does not necessarily mean the FTC will be taking legal action against the tech giant.

The state of play: Zuckerberg testified before a House panel investigating antitrust violations in July regarding his company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

What they're saying: “We are committed to cooperating with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s inquiry and answering the questions the agency may have," a Facebook spokesperson told Axios.

  • The FTC told Axios the agency has no comment at the moment.

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