Meta battles US antitrust agency over future of virtual reality

The Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust law, is about to engage in a real-life courtroom fight over virtual reality.

A high-profile trial kicks off in which the FTC will try to prevent Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc from buying virtual reality app developer Within Inc.

The FTC sued in July to stop the deal, saying Meta’s acquisition of Within would “tend to create a monopoly” in the market for virtual reality (VR) fitness apps. It has asked the judge to order a preliminary injunction that would halt the proposed transaction.