The Federal Trade Commission has appealed a federal judge’s ruling from last year in its antitrust case against Meta Platforms Inc., seeking to challenge the social media company’s acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram.
The appeal follows a prior ruling where a federal judge found the government had not demonstrated Meta currently operates as a monopoly. The FTC originally filed antitrust charges in 2020, arguing Meta suppressed competition and harmed consumers by acquiring competing applications.
Daniel Guarnera, Bureau of Competition Director for the FTC, stated, “Meta has maintained its dominant position and record profits for well over a decade not through legitimate competition, but by buying its most significant competitive threats.” Guarnera added, “The Trump-Vance FTC will continue fighting its historic case against Meta to ensure that competition can thrive across the country to the benefit of all Americans and U.S. businesses.”
Last year’s trial included testimony from executives such as CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg, who discussed competition with TikTok. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg concluded that the success of platforms like YouTube and TikTok prevented Meta from “holding a monopoly” at present, despite potential past monopolistic actions.
Had the FTC prevailed in the initial trial, it could have sought to mandate the divestiture of WhatsApp and Instagram. A successful appeal could reintroduce this remedy.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the original ruling was “correct,” stating that “Meta will remain focused on innovating and investing in America.”
