Meta Platforms defeated a major U.S. antitrust case on Tuesday, securing its ownership of Instagram and WhatsApp after a federal judge ruled the company does not hold a social media monopoly.
The decision marks the first major win for Big Tech amid a crackdown on monopolistic practices and is a setback for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had sought to force Meta to sell or restructure its acquisitions. The FTC argued that Meta’s $1 billion plus purchases of Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014) were intended to eliminate competitors.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said the FTC failed to account for competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and other messaging apps. “The landscape that existed only five years ago… has changed markedly,” Boasberg noted, emphasizing that new rivals prevent Meta from monopolizing social media.
Meta defended its acquisitions as a legitimate business strategy, arguing it was more efficient to buy companies with innovative features than to build rival products from scratch. A company spokesperson said, “Our products are beneficial for people and businesses and exemplify American innovation and economic growth.”
Shares of Meta fell only slightly after the ruling, closing down 0.3% at $600.37. The FTC has not yet commented on the decision.
The case highlights the evolving U.S. approach to Big Tech regulation, as authorities also pursue separate antitrust suits against Amazon, Google, and Apple.
