FTC Antitrust Trial Against Meta Set for April 14

Meta Platforms is scheduled to face a trial on April 14, 2025, in a case brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which alleges that the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were aimed at eliminating competition and maintaining a monopoly in social networking. Initially filed in 2020, the lawsuit was dismissed in 2021 but allowed to proceed after the FTC submitted an amended complaint. Judge James Boasberg ruled against Meta's request to dismiss the case, indicating that the FTC has presented sufficient evidence for the trial. Meta argues that the lawsuit relies on a narrow definition of the social media market, failing to consider competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The case, which reflects ongoing concerns about monopolistic practices in the tech sector, was initiated during the Trump administration and continues under the Biden administration, demonstrating bipartisan efforts to address monopoly power. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Meta and the broader tech industry as it navigates antitrust issues.