U.S. District Judge James Boasberg dismissed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. on November 18 2025, ruling that the agency failed to prove the company holds a monopoly in the personal social‑networking market.
The judge’s decision hinged on Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion and WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion, which the FTC had cited as evidence of market dominance. Boasberg noted that the social‑media landscape has evolved rapidly, with TikTok and YouTube now operating as direct competitors, rendering the FTC’s narrow market definition outdated.
Meta’s Q3 2025 financial results provide context for the ruling’s impact. Revenue rose 26 % year‑over‑year to $51.24 billion, driven by continued growth in advertising and the expansion of its AI‑powered commerce tools. Net income, however, fell to $2.71 billion after a one‑time tax charge, compared with $20.84 billion in Q4 2024, illustrating the effect of the tax adjustment on profitability.
Chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead said the court’s decision recognized the fierce competition Meta faces and affirmed that its products benefit people and businesses. Meta also reiterated its commitment to investing in America and partnering with the Administration, underscoring its focus on innovation and economic growth.
The ruling was largely anticipated by investors, and market reaction was muted, indicating that the outcome had already been priced in. The decision removes a significant regulatory overhang, giving Meta greater certainty for strategic planning and preserving the combined user base that underpins its advertising revenue.
The verdict comes amid a broader wave of antitrust scrutiny targeting major tech firms, with the FTC also pursuing cases against Amazon and the DOJ suing Apple. Meta’s win contrasts with recent findings against Google, which was found to hold an illegal monopoly in search and online advertising, highlighting the nuanced nature of regulatory assessments across the industry.
While the dismissal strengthens Meta’s position in the social‑media space, the company’s future growth will still hinge on its ability to innovate in AI and maintain competitive advantage in a market that continues to attract new entrants and regulatory attention.
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