Rumor: US government is investigating Facebook for hindering VR competition

The US Department of Justice is in the process of asking developers about their experiences with Facebook in the VR field. The thought is that Facebook is abusing the power of subsidiary Oculus in the market for VR headsets and VR software.

Facebook’s behavior would be bothering VR start-ups, Bloomberg reports, based on two anonymous sources. The United States Department of Justice has not confirmed or denied the round of questions. The ministry would speak to developers to see if a full investigation into Facebook’s behavior in the VR market is needed.

Facebook would make it difficult for start-ups, among other things, by blocking access to the Oculus Store. Bloomberg chronicled the story of a VR physical activity tracking app that just couldn’t make it to the Oculus Store. Oculus headset users who did have the app had to uninstall it to launch other apps and games. Then Facebook itself came this fall with a similar service.

In addition, Facebook would offer its Quest 2 headset below cost price, according to a French developer of business VR headsets. With the used parts, the retail price should be about $ 50 higher. At 350 euros, the price of the Quest 2 is also lower than that of the first Quest. Facebook has not yet responded to the allegations. It is unknown whether it will come to an investigation.