Meta scores big victory in antitrust trial

Meta won a major legal victory on Tuesday after a federal judge ruled that the company does not hold a social media monopoly by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.

The decision blocks the Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to unwind Meta’s acquisitions of the social media platforms, which the agency claimed were aimed at eliminating future competitors.

The ruling delivers Big Tech its first decisive win in the years-long antitrust crackdown and deals a significant blow to the FTC, which is also pursuing an antitrust case against Amazon.

The judge agreed with Meta’s argument that today’s social media landscape has changed, noting intense competition from TikTok and YouTube. He said these platforms serve as real substitutes, weakening the FTC’s claim of Meta’s dominance.

Meta said its products support innovation and economic growth, while the FTC expressed deep disappointment and said it is reviewing its options.