Judge Rejects Monopoly Accusations
A US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust law when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision delivers a setback to the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020 and claimed the deals helped the company dominate social media. 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 operates in a highly competitive sector.
Leaders Describe Rapid Industry Shifts
In April, Boasberg led a bench trial that included testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. They argued that TikTok and YouTube disrupted the social-media landscape and limited Meta’s influence. The judge noted that the FTC approved the Instagram purchase in 2012 and the WhatsApp deal in 2014. The agency said Meta overpaid by offering $1 billion for Instagram and $19 billion for WhatsApp. Boasberg described an ever-changing market where platforms rise fast, fall quickly, and add new features each year. He said the FTC did not show that Meta still holds market power and pointed to Meta’s shrinking share.
FTC Expresses Strong Disappointment
The FTC said it had not decided whether to appeal and voiced deep frustration. Spokesperson Joe Simonson said the agency was reviewing all options and argued that the process felt biased. He highlighted past political tensions involving the judge and noted efforts by some lawmakers to remove him from office. The judge was asked for comment.
Ruling Keeps Meta’s Structure Intact
The decision prevents a possible break-up that could have forced Meta to separate Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta said its services help people and businesses and showcase American innovation. A spokesperson said Meta will continue working with the administration and keep investing in the United States.
Analysts See Mixed Antitrust Signals
The ruling follows two Justice Department victories against Google involving search and advertising technology. Another judge recently rejected a request to force Google to divest its Chrome browser. Vanderbilt professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth said the Meta decision may affect the pace of future cases. She added that the ruling does not weaken the government’s wider push to police antitrust behaviour and described the broader picture as mixed.
Scholars Cite Early Obstacles
Many legal experts said the FTC faced challenges early on. University of Georgia professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer said rapid changes in the market complicated the case. She added that early comments from Zuckerberg appeared to show a desire to eliminate a rising competitive threat.
Meta Still Faces Heavy Legal Scrutiny
Meta continues to confront serious legal challenges. Zuckerberg must testify in a major 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.
