After a prolonged legal battle, Meta has successfully defended itself against allegations of monopolistic practices related to its social networking platforms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused Meta of dominating the market through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, aiming to break its grip on online social interaction.

However, US District Judge James Boasberg dismissed these claims, stating that the FTC lacked sufficient evidence to prove Meta holds a monopoly in the niche of “personal social networking.” The court highlighted that, in this specific segment, Meta’s main competitors—Snapchat and MeWe—struggle to keep pace, but that doesn’t equate to a monopoly.

Judge Boasberg emphasized the importance of market definitions, criticizing the FTC’s outdated approach of isolating “social networking” from broader social media platforms. Quoting philosopher Heraclitus, he suggested that markets are constantly evolving—“no man can step into the same river twice”—and that the FTC missed its chance to challenge Meta’s expansion.

Legal experts note this ruling could reshape future antitrust efforts in the tech industry, emphasizing the need for precise market analysis. For consumers, it signals a continued dominance of Meta’s social platforms without the threat of breakup or heavy regulation in the near term.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.