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FTC Asks Judge To Pause Meta Deal For VR Company

By  |  January 31, 2023

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission asked a judge to put a hold on Meta deal to buy virtual reality app maker Within Unlimited while the two sides await a decision from the court.

The FTC has argued that Within’s Supernatural app is a direct competitor to Beat Saber, a popular VR rhythm game that some people use to work out.

Read more: Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Sequoia Subpoena in FTC Meta Suit

Under the leadership of Lina Khan, the FTC alleged that it would violate antitrust laws if Meta’s deal with Within goes through.

“Instead of competing on the merits, Meta is trying to buy its way to the top,” said FTC Bureau of Competition Deputy Director John Newman in a statement about the lawsuit. “Meta already owns a best-selling virtual reality fitness app, and it had the capabilities to compete even more closely with Within’s popular Supernatural app. But Meta chose to buy market position instead of earning it on the merits.”