A federal judge ruled that Meta Platforms does not hold a social media monopoly and defeated the FTC’s bid to unwind its Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions.

The decision comes amid a broader wave of antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech, as regulators review Amazon, Google, and Apple alongside Meta.

Judge Boasberg noted the social media landscape has evolved since 2020, with TikTok and other rivals central to competition as markets shifted.

Analysts see potential shifts in antitrust enforcement focus and increased regulatory appetite for revising digital-age antitrust tools, influencing future acquisitions.

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Analysts describe the ruling as a possible shift in antitrust momentum, while cautioning it does not signal a universal failure of antitrust efforts.

Experts expect regulators to re-evaluate approaches, possibly pursue legislative modernization of antitrust law, and watch Meta’s AI and advertising strategy closely.

The decision could embolden other tech firms to pursue emerging-rival acquisitions and push regulators toward alternatives like interoperability rules or tighter platform oversight.

Conversely, regulators may explore tools beyond traditional mergers, including interoperability mandates or greater oversight of digital platforms.

Appeals remain possible; a successful FTC appeal would prolong the dispute, but the district court’s ruling stands as a substantive hurdle.

FTC officials expressed disappointment and signaled they are weighing options, noting questions about impartiality and past influence in the judge’s career.

The agency challenged some expert testimony and perceived impartiality while evaluating next steps.