UK antitrust regulator prepares to investigate Facebook – FT By Reuters

(Reuters) – Britain’s competition regulator is set to begin an antitrust investigation into Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) in the next few months, after similar actions into Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) early this year, Financial Times reported on Friday.

The Competition and Markets Authority would look into the way Facebook allegedly uses customer data against rivals in social media and online advertising, people close to the matter told FT.

The investigation is also likely to examine Facebook’s status as a so-called gatekeeper for its ability to collect data from users to boost its advantage over rivals.

Facebook did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.