FTC Appeals Meta Antitrust Ruling: Battle Over Instagram, WhatsApp Acquisitions Intensifies

• The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will appeal a November court ruling that favored Meta Platforms Inc. in a landmark antitrust case.
• The original ruling by US District Judge James Boasberg stated Meta did not hold an illegal monopoly in the social networking market, protecting it from divesting Instagram and WhatsApp.
• FTC maintains Meta unlawfully acquired emerging rivals like Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize competitive threats and maintain market power.
• This appeal highlights the ongoing regulatory push to control Big Tech's market power, despite varied court interpretations of monopoly standards.
• Meta defends the court's conclusions, asserting a competitive environment and focusing on innovation and investment.

Why It Matters: FTC appeals Meta antitrust ruling, reigniting the battle over its Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions.