Facebook Emails Could Lead to Tougher EU Regulatory Scrutiny (1)

Facebook Inc. emails showing the company threatened to cut off data to potential rivals added a new target for the regulatory armory that is being amassed by European regulators.

The publication of the emails by U.K lawmakers preceded a vote by EU legislators Dec. 6 that backed draft rules requiring online platforms to treat businesses—including rivals—fairly.

In the new year Germany will conclude an antitrust probe that may call on Facebook to change privacy terms. EU privacy regulators are also armed with the power to fine for data breaches, following the roll-out of GDPR in May.

“Facebook is now on ...