Facebook Sued For Alleged Anti-Competitive Conduct

Four companies are suing Facebook in the US Federal Court for alleged anti-competitive conduct, saying the social network inappropriately revoked developer access to its platform in order to harm prospective competitors. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status and unspecified damages.

Facebook indicated that it would fight the lawsuit.

The complainants allege Facebook chose to eliminate potential threats from mobile competitors. It said claims like this aren’t unexpected, but they are without merit.

The case highlights Facebook’s ongoing battles with small app developers that built companies based on access to the social media giant’s user data.

Facebook cut off access for certain apps as far back as 2012.