Washington — U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia James Boasberg has ruled that Meta does not hold a monopoly in the personal social media market. The Federal Trade Commission had accused Meta of abusing an alleged monopoly power with the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in a case heard in April.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has advocated for competition in the tech industry for over 50 years.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President Matt Schruers:
“This ruling recognizes the competitive and highly dynamic nature of digital markets. It concludes what every Internet user knows — that Meta competes with a number of platforms and the company’s relevant market shares are therefore nowhere close to those required to establish monopoly power. Judge Boasberg correctly rejected the FTC’s unsubstantiated claims that the acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram more than a decade ago harmed consumers and infringed antitrust law.”
“The FTC had to prove that Meta had a monopoly, and the Court ultimately concluded that the agency has not carried its burden. When enforcement actions lack a sound empirical basis — or any substantial evidence of consumer harm — they erode trust in the legal system and certainty for businesses.”
