The acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram triggered the federal suit.
District Judge James Boasberg has denied Meta’s request to dismiss an antitrust case filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC sued Meta in 2020, claiming that Facebook’s parent company illegally built a social networking monopoly by purchasing Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. Meta filed a request to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that there is still economic competition between itself and other large companies like Google and Apple.
“This case must go to trial. Under the forgiving summary-judgment standard, the FTC has put forward evidence sufficient for a reasonable factfinder to rule in its favor,” Judge Boasberg concluded in his 92-page opinion. He scheduled a virtual conference to discuss the trial schedule on November 25.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Judge Boasberg as he hears the FTC antitrust case against Meta.
- For FTC officials as they assess companies’ monopolizing actions and acquisitions.
Sources: The Hill, NY Post
