Court Dismisses Monopoly Allegations
A US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it bought Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision deals a setback to the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020 and argued the company used these purchases to control the social-media market. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its case and concluded that Meta does not hold monopoly power. Meta welcomed the ruling and said it competes against strong rivals every day.
Meta Leaders Emphasise Fierce Competition
In April, Judge Boasberg oversaw a lengthy bench trial that included testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. They said TikTok and YouTube reshaped the market and challenged Meta’s influence. The judge also noted that the FTC reviewed and approved Meta’s Instagram acquisition in 2012 and its WhatsApp purchase in 2014. The agency argued Meta overpaid, offering $1 billion for Instagram and $19 billion for WhatsApp. Boasberg described a fast-moving market where trends rise and fade quickly. He said the FTC failed to show that Meta still holds market power and pointed to Meta’s shrinking share.
Regulators Voice Deep Frustration
The FTC said it had not yet decided whether to appeal and expressed strong disappointment. Spokesperson Joe Simonson said the agency was reviewing all options and argued that the process felt biased. He referred to earlier political disputes involving the judge and noted efforts by some Republican lawmakers to remove him from office. The judge was asked to respond.
Ruling Protects Meta From Forced Break-Up
The decision shields Meta from a possible split that could have separated Instagram and WhatsApp from the company. Meta said its platforms support people and businesses and reflect American innovation and economic growth. A spokesperson said the company plans to continue working with the administration and investing in the United States.
Momentum in Tech Antitrust Cases Appears to Shift
The ruling follows two recent Justice Department victories against Google involving search and advertising technology. Still, another federal judge recently refused to force Google to divest its Chrome browser. In this environment, experts say the Meta ruling suggests a shift in momentum. Vanderbilt professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth said the judgment may influence decisions on future tech cases. She added that the decision does not signal failure for the government’s broader antitrust push and called the landscape mixed.
Analysts Note Early Obstacles for the FTC
Many legal experts said the FTC faced challenges from the start. University of Georgia professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer said rapid changes in social networking complicated the case. She added that early comments from Zuckerberg suggested a desire to weaken a rising threat to the company’s position.
Meta Still Faces Major Legal Challenges
Meta continues to confront serious legal tests. Zuckerberg must testify in a landmark trial examining social media’s effect on young people. Last month, a Los Angeles judge rejected Meta’s attempt to avoid his in-person appearance in January. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri will also testify in a case claiming that social-media platforms design addictive features for young users despite knowing the mental-health risks.
