Meta Won Antitrust Case: A Breakthrough for Social Media Giants

Meta's Victory in Antitrust Case

HANDE BERKTAN

The social media giant Meta has achieved a significant victory in a major antitrust case alleging it solidified its dominance by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.

What Was the Outcome of the Case?

After a five-year battle, Meta successfully emerged from the lawsuit brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg stated that the FTC could not prove that Meta violated antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014. Despite the acquisitions being approved, the FTC demanded that Meta divest these platforms.

Acquisition Strategies

During the trial, emails from Mark Zuckerberg revealed his thoughts about acquiring Instagram in February 2012, indicating it would create a barrier to rival firms' scale. Zuckerberg expressed, "Even if some new competitors emerge, buying Instagram now will buy us a year or more."

Judge Boasberg's Decision

Judge James Boasberg emphasized in his ruling that the FTC could not prove Meta acquired Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate rivals in the social media market. This means that Meta will continue to maintain its dominance in the social media space.