META TRIUMPHS IN U.S. ANTITRUST BATTLE OVER INSTAGRAM AND WHATSAPP DEALS

Wed 19 November 2025:

A US federal judge has ruled that tech giant Meta is not a monopoly in the social networking market, dismissing an antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over the company’s acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram.

Washington District Court Judge James Boasberg said the FTC failed to prove its claim that Meta monopolized the market and maintained its dominance by purchasing rivals.

“The court ultimately finds that YouTube and TikTok belong in the product market, and they prevent Meta from holding a monopoly,” Boasberg wrote. “Even if YouTube is out, including TikTok alone defeats the FTC’s case.”

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The judge concluded that Meta does not hold a monopoly position in the relevant market and ruled in the company’s favor.

Meta shares pared losses after the news, and were down just 0.3% at $599.95 in late afternoon trading.

“Our products are beneficial for people and businesses and exemplify American innovation and economic growth,” a Meta spokesperson said. “We look forward to continuing to partner with the Administration and to invest in America.”

“We are deeply disappointed in this decision,” said FTC spokesperson Joe Simonson, adding, “we are reviewing all our options.”

The FTC sued in 2020, alleging Meta used a “buy-or-bury” strategy to crush competition. By snapping up rising stars like Instagram (photo-sharing) and WhatsApp (messaging), Meta allegedly locked in a monopoly on “personal social networking”—apps for sharing with friends and family. Regulators wanted to unwind the deals to restore competition, claiming Meta spent billions to eliminate threats instead of innovating.

Meta argued the deals were legit business moves—acquiring talent and tech to grow, not stifle rivals. They highlighted fierce competition today from TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, which users swap between seamlessly (e.g., during outages). CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified, downplaying old emails as early-stage notes, not proof of malice.

Meta also owns Facebook and Threads.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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