The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed an appeal to revive its antitrust case against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The FTC claims Meta violated antitrust laws by acquiring the two popular apps, strengthening a monopoly that has negatively affected American consumers. The move highlights ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech firms and their influence on the social media landscape.
Meta acquired Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, moves that initially went unchallenged. However, in 2020, the FTC sued Meta, alleging that the company had used these acquisitions to eliminate potential competitors and consolidate its dominance in social networking platforms used for sharing content with friends and family. The agency aimed to force Meta to restructure or divest the apps to restore competition.
Despite these claims, a U.S. District Court in Washington dismissed the case in November 2025, stating that Meta does not currently hold a monopoly because it faces competition from other platforms, most notably TikTok. Judge James Boasberg ruled that the acquisitions alone were insufficient to prove an illegal monopoly under current market conditions.
The FTC, however, remains firm. “Meta violated our antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. Consequently, American consumers have suffered from Meta’s monopoly,” said FTC spokesperson Joe Simonson. The agency is now appealing the ruling, signaling that the fight over tech monopolies is far from over.
Meta, meanwhile, defended its record, emphasizing its focus on innovation and competition. “The District Court’s decision recognizes the fierce competition we face. Meta will remain focused on innovating and investing in America,” said spokesperson Andy Stone on social media platform X. The appeal marks another chapter in the U.S. government’s broader crackdown on Big Tech, a movement that gained momentum during the Trump administration and continues to shape tech policy today.
source: reuters