Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is seeking the dismissal of a monopoly lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), claiming a lack of evidence to support the allegations. The tech giant argues that the FTC has failed to establish a relevant market or demonstrate any adverse impacts on consumers resulting from its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
The court will assess Meta’s request for dismissal, but if unresolved issues persist, a trial may be scheduled to address them. This legal battle underscores Meta’s ongoing challenges regarding accusations of monopolistic behavior and acquisition-related controversies.
In 2021, the DC District Court granted Meta’s motion to dismiss the initial complaint but allowed the FTC to submit an amended complaint. Judge James Boasberg acknowledged the improved details in the revised complaint, indicating potential hurdles for the FTC in proving its claims moving forward.
Meta contests the FTC’s market definition, arguing that it is too narrowly defined. The FTC characterizes the relevant market as personal social networking services, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and MeWe.
Following extensive discovery, Meta asserts that the FTC’s claims lack substantiation regarding a relevant antitrust market, Meta’s alleged monopoly power, and harm to competition and consumers from its acquisitions.
As the legal battle progresses, the FTC must respond by May 24, presenting evidence to support its allegations. Meta challenges the FTC’s monopoly power assertions, advocating for a broader market definition to be considered in the case.
