Court Dismisses Monopoly Claims
A US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust law when it purchased Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision marks a major setback for the Federal Trade Commission, which in 2020 accused Meta of securing a social-media monopoly through those acquisitions. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its case and stated that Meta does not control the market. Meta welcomed the ruling and stressed that it faces strong competition.
Tech Leaders Describe Shifting Market
Judge Boasberg oversaw an April bench trial that included testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. They argued that TikTok and YouTube reshaped the industry and weakened Meta’s influence. The judge noted that the FTC approved the Instagram acquisition in 2012 and the WhatsApp deal in 2014. The agency said Meta paid too much, offering $1 billion for Instagram and $19 billion for WhatsApp. Boasberg described a fast-changing market driven by trends that rise and fade quickly. He added that the FTC did not show that Meta still holds market power and highlighted Meta’s shrinking share.
FTC Voices Frustration
The FTC said it had not decided whether it would appeal and expressed strong disappointment. Spokesperson Joe Simonson said the agency was reviewing its choices and argued the process felt tilted. He referenced past clashes between the judge and political leaders and noted current efforts by some lawmakers to remove the judge from office. The judge was asked for comment.
Ruling Protects Company Structure
The decision shields Meta from a possible break-up that could have forced the separation of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta said its services help people and businesses and represent American innovation. A spokesperson said Meta will keep working with the administration and continue investing in the United States.
Experts Say Antitrust Picture Is Mixed
The ruling follows two Justice Department victories against Google involving search and advertising technology. Another federal judge recently declined to require Google to split off its Chrome browser. Vanderbilt professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth said the Meta ruling may affect future tech cases. She added that it does not mean the government’s wider antitrust push is failing and described the situation as mixed.
Scholars Highlight Early Hurdles
Many legal experts said the FTC faced obstacles from the start. University of Georgia professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer said rapid industry changes made the case difficult. She added that early comments from Zuckerberg suggested a push to weaken a rising competitive threat.
Meta Still Faces Legal Pressure
Meta continues to confront major legal challenges. Zuckerberg must testify in a significant case examining social media’s impact on young people. Last month, a Los Angeles judge rejected Meta’s attempt to avoid his in-person testimony in January. Instagram head Adam Mosseri will also testify in a case alleging that social-media companies design addictive features for young users while knowing the mental-health risks.
