FTC Appeals Ruling in Meta Antitrust Case Over Instagram, WhatsApp Deals

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has appealed a court ruling that dismissed its antitrust case against Meta Platforms, seeking to revive claims that the company illegally built monopoly power by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC said its position remains unchanged despite last year’s dismissal.

The agency argues that Meta’s purchases of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 harmed competition by eliminating emerging rivals. It has asked the courts to reconsider forcing a potential breakup or divestment of the platforms. Meta was sued in 2020, years after regulators initially approved the deals.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled in November that Meta does not currently hold a monopoly, citing strong competition from platforms such as TikTok. Meta said the decision correctly reflects the competitive landscape and said it will continue investing and innovating in the United States.