Facebook faces biggest legal battle in years as US officials launch lawsuits

Regulators and 48 attorney generals take on company over antitrust concerns

US regulators and 48 attorneys general are limbering up for what promises to be the biggest legal battle against a US company in decades. Letitia James, the New York attorney general who is spearheading one of two lawsuits against Facebook, this week accused the social network of abusing its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals, snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users."

In a powerful speech, James said Facebook used its vast troves of data and money" to fund a buy or bury" scheme to quash competition. James said she would not rest until the courts ordered Facebook to sell off WhatsApp and Instagram, which she said the social network had acquired illegally.