Meta Wins FTC Lawsuit Over Purchase of VR Startup Within

A U.S. court has denied the FTC’s request to bar Meta Platforms from buying virtual reality content maker Within Unlimited, dismissing the regulator’s concern that the deal would reduce competition in the new market.

Meta announced the acquisition of Within in October 2021. The regulator sued the corporation last summer, accusing it of intending to take a dominant position in the VR and AR markets.

A spokesman for Meta said that the corporation’s management is pleased with the court’s decision regarding the commission’s request. He added that Meta is looking forward to closing the deal soon.

Today marks a new chapter for Within and @GetSupernatural, as we officially join @Meta. We’re thrilled to help people transform their lives as we bring more joy, awe and wonder to the world. We look forward to what’s ahead. pic.twitter.com/yf4U5mGwbI

— Within (@WITHIN) February 8, 2023

The FTC has been unable to prove that Meta plans to take over Within to eliminate a competitor in the virtual reality fitness software market, said Judge Edward Davila of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The ruling was handed down in closed form earlier this week.

It is noted that Mark Zuckerberg in court assured that the possession of Within “is not so critical” for Meta’s ambitions.