Meta Requests Judge to Dismiss FTC Antitrust Case Mid-Trial

Meta Platforms has filed a motion seeking dismissal of the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust case alleging that the company unlawfully monopolized the social networking market through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The motion argues that the FTC has not presented sufficient evidence to meet the legal standard for monopolistic behavior and contends that Meta faces significant competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and X. The FTC rested its case after a five-week trial, during which high-profile witnesses, including Instagram's co-founder and current leadership, testified. Meta disputes the FTC's market definition and claims it did not reduce service quality or neutralize competitors through its acquisitions. If the judge grants the motion, it would end the trial early; however, Meta is prepared to continue defending itself should the motion be denied. This case is part of a broader wave of antitrust scrutiny targeting major tech companies.