Meta has won its long-running antitrust case against the Federal Trade Commission, which had accused the company of holding a monopoly in social networking. The case, initially filed five years ago, focused on Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014. In a memorandum opinion, Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the FTC failed to prove that Meta currently holds monopoly power.
Boasberg stated, “Whether or not Meta enjoyed monopoly power in the past, though, the agency must show that it continues to hold such power now.” The judge highlighted that Meta now faces significant competition from TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, noting that consumers are “reallocating massive amounts of time from Meta’s apps” to these services.
Meta executives responded positively to the ruling. Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead said, “The Court’s decision today recognizes that Meta faces fierce competition. Our products are beneficial for people and businesses and exemplify American innovation and economic growth.” The trial, which began in April 2025, included testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former COO Sheryl Sandberg, and Instagram Co-Founder Kevin Systrom. The FTC, through spokesperson Joe Simonson, expressed disappointment and indicated it was reviewing all options.
