Government Watchdog Responds to Meta’s Approval to Acquire Within Unlimited

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Abigail Graham: (202) 417-7235

February 1, 2023                                                                                 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Meta Platforms Inc. was given approval to purchase Within Unlimited, despite the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) attempt to block the acquisition because of antitrust concerns. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) applauds this decision for allowing innovation to move forward and because it makes clear the case brought forth by the FTC was a clear waste of time and taxpayer money.

In response, TPA Executive Director, Patrick Hedger, offered the following comment:

“Today’s ruling in favor of Meta’s ability to move forward with the purchase of Within is a win for innovation, investment, and competition in the tech sector. It was clear from the start that this case had no legal grounds. The FTC shuffled through several different accusations, desperate to make something stick. It is clear this lawsuit was politically motivated from the beginning and its defeat ought to check further frivolous action by the Commission.

“The virtual reality fitness market is one of the narrowest market definitions imaginable. Given how new this space is, pioneers like Meta need the breathing room to innovate as well as invest.

“FTC’s lawsuit against this acquisition was another example of a government agency’s politicized overreach in the tech space and a waste of time and taxpayer money. We are glad to see the courts approve this acquisition, recognizing there was no legal or economic basis to prevent it from going forward.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.