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5d ago

Meta Seeks Mid-Trial Dismissal of FTC Antitrust Case

Meta argues the FTC failed to prove illegal monopoly claims as the agency rests its case in a pivotal trial over Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions.

In a landmark anti-trust trial in Washington, Facebook-owner Meta could be forced to divest itself of Instagram and Whatsapp
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Overview

  • The FTC has concluded presenting its case, accusing Meta of monopolizing the personal social networking market through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
  • Meta has filed a motion for judgment on the evidence, claiming the FTC did not meet the legal standard to prove an illegal monopoly existed.
  • Meta contends that its apps face significant competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, challenging the FTC's narrow market definition of 'personal social networking services.'
  • Internal documents revealed during the trial show concerns over Instagram's integrity, with an executive warning in 2018 about up to 40% 'fake engagement' on the platform.
  • Judge James Boasberg is set to rule on Meta's motion before the trial proceeds, with potential remedies, including divestitures, if the FTC prevails.