What's happened
The seven-week trial against Meta concluded on May 27, 2025, with the FTC arguing for a breakup due to alleged monopolistic practices. Judge James Boasberg will now decide if Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp violated antitrust laws, with a ruling expected later this year.
What's behind the headline?
Key Considerations
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Market Definition: The FTC argues that Meta operates in a narrowly defined market of personal social networking services, primarily competing with Snapchat. Meta counters that it faces broader competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
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Evidence of Monopoly: Internal emails revealed that Mark Zuckerberg viewed Instagram as a threat, suggesting that acquisitions were aimed at stifling competition rather than enhancing consumer choice.
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Potential Outcomes: Judge Boasberg's ruling could reshape the tech landscape. If the FTC prevails, Meta may be forced to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, fundamentally altering its business model. However, the difficulty of unwinding mergers from years ago may favor Meta.
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Future Implications: A ruling against Meta could set a precedent for increased scrutiny of tech acquisitions, impacting how large firms approach future mergers and acquisitions in the industry.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the FTC's case hinges on the argument that 'a firm that is a monopolist cannot acquire its most threatening competitors.' This sentiment is echoed by Ars Technica, which notes that the FTC's evidence includes internal communications that suggest Meta's acquisitions were intended to eliminate competition. Meanwhile, Bloomberg highlights that Judge Boasberg will take months to issue a ruling, indicating the complexity of the case. Meta's spokesperson has claimed that the FTC's case is weak, arguing that it overlooks the competitive landscape of the broader social media market. This contrast in perspectives underscores the contentious nature of the trial and the potential ramifications for the tech industry.
How we got here
The trial stemmed from a 2019 FTC lawsuit alleging that Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were part of a strategy to eliminate competition. The case has significant implications for antitrust law and the tech industry.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the trial's outcome?
- How might this affect Meta's business model?
- What evidence did the FTC present against Meta?
Common question
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What Happens Next in Meta's Antitrust Trial?
Meta's antitrust trial has concluded, leaving many wondering about the implications of the ruling. With the FTC pushing for a breakup of the company due to alleged monopolistic practices, the outcome could reshape the tech landscape. Here are some common questions about the trial and its potential impact.
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James Emanuel Boasberg is a United States District Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, also serving as the Presiding Judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; and former associate judge on the
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