This isn’t a new case; the FTC first filed the lawsuit back in 2020. A judge initially dismissed it in 2021, but the FTC came back with a stronger argument in an amended complaint. Meta tried to get the case dismissed again as recently as April, but the judge ultimately sided with the FTC, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. This means Meta will now have to defend its acquisitions in court.
Meta may be forced to split off Instagram and WhatsApp | Image credit — PhoneArena
This case is interesting because it touches upon the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding Big Tech. The FTC’s lawsuit was originally filed during the first Trump administration, which took a more skeptical stance when it came to mergers and acquisitions. However, there’s a potential shift in the political landscape, and with a new administration could come changes in how antitrust laws are enforced.
That said, the outcome of this case could have a major impact on the tech industry. If the FTC wins, it could lead to the breakup of Meta and set a precedent for how large tech companies operate and make acquisitions in the future.
I’m really curious to see how this case unfolds. It could reshape the social media landscape as we know it, and if If Meta is forced to split Instagram and WhatsApp, it would be a huge shakeup in the tech world. Scheduling of the trial is set to place on November 25th, It will be interesting to see how the trial plays out and what the long-term consequences are for the platforms’ millions of users.