Meta Stock in Focus -- Tech Giant Crushes FTC in High-Stakes Antitrust Battle
Meta won a major antitrust case as U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled the FTC did not prove Meta holds monopoly power in social networking. The case focused on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The judge cited competition from TikTok and YouTube. The decision ends a multi-year battle, preventing the FTC from forcing divestiture. Regulators are reviewing options. Meta's stock showed little change.
Meta won a major courtroom victory when U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled the Federal Trade Commission did not show the company currently wields monopoly power in social networking.
The case, centered on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, tested whether those deals still harm competition today. Boasberg said the agency fell short of proving a present or imminent legal violation.
The judge pointed to shifting user habits, notably the rise of TikTok and YouTube, as evidence that alternatives now compete meaningfully with Meta's apps.
The decision caps a multi-year fight and removes the most severe remedy the FTC sought: divestiture of past acquisitions.
Regulators said they were disappointed and are reviewing options. Meta's legal team argued the social landscape has changed and competition is robust.
Investors will now watch how shares trade through the session, as the stock was little changed in early Wednesday dealings.
