Because of competition: US states launch investigation against Facebook

Several US states have launched an antitrust investigation against Facebook. It should be examined whether the company hindered competition and endangered users, said New York Attorney General Letitia James.

"We will use all available investigative tools to determine if Facebook has endangered consumers' data," James said. In addition, it should be determined whether users were restricted in their freedom of choice or the prices for advertisements were increased.

Also, investigations against Google planned

"Even the world's largest social media platform must obey the law and respect consumers," said the prosecutor. In addition to New York, the states of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio, Tennessee and the government of Washington DC participate.

According to the Wall Street Journal, an alliance of US states intends to launch antitrust investigations against Alphabet's daughter Google next week. In July, US Department of Justice competition officials had already announced a far-reaching investigation of major online platforms.