• by Colin Kirkland , January 8, 2025

In an effort to comply with the European Commission’s recent decision that Facebook Marketplace has hindered competition for online marketplaces in Europe, Meta has begun testing the introduction of eBay product listings, allowing users in the U.S., Germany and France to buy from the ecommerce titan directly within the social platform.

“While we disagree with and continue to appeal the European Commission's decision on Facebook Marketplace, we are working quickly and constructively to build a solution which addresses the points raised,” Meta wrote in an updated blog post, adding that integrating eBay listings into Marketplace could benefit users on both platforms.

“eBay sellers will gain exposure to Facebook's audience while people using Marketplace will be able to discover a broader array of listings from the eBay community,” the tech giant said.

In November, Meta was fined $840 million by the EU for allegedly forcing Facebook users to Marketplace via links to its selling and social platforms.

Two years earlier, EU regulators deemed these practices “abusive,” also citing Meta's imposed restrictions against third-party classified advertising providers.

In response to the fine, Meta wrote that the EU's decision “ignores the realities of the thriving European market for online classified listing services,” with the concern that regulators were shielding “large incumbent companies” from Marketplace -- “a new entrant.”

The tech giant appealed the EU's decision, but stated that it would work “quickly and constructively” to come up with solutions to address the issue.

Including eBay listings in Marketplace is Meta's first attempt at a solution, while noting that the EU's decision relies “on a hypothetical potential to harm competition.”

“It's a small test for now, so not all people will see it, but we hope to expand soon,” Meta spokesperson Jocelyn Jones said.