Meta did not violate antitrust law, judge rules
Meta dodged a regulatory bullet this week as a judge declared the social media giant didn’t break antitrust laws with its Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions. While the FTC argued Meta built a monopoly by swallowing its rivals, the court wasn’t convinced—especially given how fast the social media landscape changes. It’s a win for Meta, but let’s be real: this isn’t the end of the story. The real drama is just shifting to the next courtroom, where Big Tech’s influence on kids’ mental health and AI spending will take center stage.
This ruling is a major milestone in the ongoing battle between regulators and tech giants. The FTC’s case hinged on proving Meta currently holds a monopoly in social networking, but the judge found the evidence lacking. The decision highlights how rapidly new platforms like TikTok have disrupted Meta’s dominance, making it harder for regulators to prove lasting market control. Still, Meta remains under scrutiny, with future trials looming over children’s mental health and AI investments, ensuring the company’s legal and public relations challenges are far from over.
