EU Accuses Facebook Of Providing 'misleading' Information About WhatsApp Deal

Facebook Inc. is facing a potential fine from the European Union's competition watchdog after the European Commission accused the social media company of providing "misleading information" about its planned WhatsApp takeover. The commission said on Tuesday it has sent a so-called Statement of Objections to Facebook alleging the company gave incorrect information during the 2014 investigation of its $19 billion takeover of WhatsApp. "In this specific case, the Commission's preliminary view is that Facebook gave us incorrect or misleading information during the investigation into its acquisition of WhatsApp. Facebook now has the opportunity to respond," Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in the press release.