Stay ahead with real-time Wall Street scoops.

Meta Seeks Dismissal of FTC's Monopoly Case Over Instagram, WhatsApp Acquisitions

Word on the StreetThursday, May 15, 2025 8:07 pm ET

2min read

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has filed a motion with a federal judge in Washington, requesting the dismissal of a case brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC alleges that Meta has illegally monopolized the social media market through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta's legal team argues that the FTC has not provided sufficient evidence to support its claims, asserting that the FTC's case is based on speculative theories rather than concrete evidence.

The trial, which began on April 14, 2023, in Washington, aims to prove that Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp have led to anti-competitive behavior and consumer harm. The FTC's lawsuit, filed in December 2020, seeks to unwind these acquisitions, claiming that they have stifled competition and harmed consumers. Meta's legal team contends that the FTC has not demonstrated how these acquisitions have resulted in anti-competitive behavior or consumer harm.

Meta's request for dismissal comes as the company is currently presenting its own evidence in the ongoing trial, which is expected to continue until June. While U.S. District Judge James Boasberg may reject Meta's request, granting it would expedite the case's conclusion based on the current evidence. This legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of big tech companies and their market dominance. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future antitrust actions against tech giants, potentially reshaping the landscape of digital competition.

Meta's defense strategy focuses on challenging the FTC's evidence and arguments, asserting that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were pro-competitive and beneficial to consumers. The company maintains that these acquisitions have enhanced user experience and innovation in the social media market. Meta's legal team argues that the FTC's case lacks concrete evidence to support its claims of anti-competitive behavior and consumer harm.

The FTC, on the other hand, contends that Meta's acquisitions have stifled competition and harmed consumers by eliminating potential rivals and reducing innovation in the social media market. The FTC's lawsuit seeks to unwind these acquisitions and restore competition in the market. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the regulation of big tech companies and their market dominance.

This legal battle underscores the ongoing debate over the regulation of big tech companies and their market dominance. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future antitrust actions against tech giants, potentially reshaping the landscape of digital competition. As the trial continues, both Meta and the FTC will present their evidence and arguments, with the final decision resting with Judge Boasberg. The case highlights the complexities of antitrust law and the challenges of regulating big tech companies in the digital age.

Disclaimer: The news articles available on this platform are generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence and may not have been reviewed or fact checked by human editors. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the truthfulness, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided. It is your sole responsibility to independently verify any facts, statements, or claims prior to acting upon them. Ainvest Fintech Inc expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from the use of or reliance on AI-generated content, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.