Meta Prevails in Landmark FTC Antitrust Case, Retains Instagram and WhatsApp

Washington D.C. – Meta Platforms Inc. secured a significant victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a U.S. District Judge ruled the company does not hold a monopoly in the social networking market. This decision allows Meta to retain its key acquisitions, Instagram and WhatsApp, which the FTC had sought to divest. The ruling by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg concluded a historic antitrust trial that wrapped up in late May.

The FTC's lawsuit, initially filed in 2020, alleged that Meta had engaged in anti-competitive practices by acquiring Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, thereby stifling competition. Judge Boasberg, however, stated that the FTC failed to prove that Meta currently holds monopoly power. He noted that the social media landscape has evolved considerably since the lawsuit was filed, with new competitors like TikTok significantly altering the market.

"META beats the FTC," a social media user, alex 🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🇺🇦, posted following the announcement, highlighting the perceived impact of the ruling.

Meta's chief legal officer, Jennifer Newstead, stated that the court's decision recognizes the fierce competition Meta faces. She added that the company's products benefit people and businesses, exemplifying American innovation and economic growth. The ruling marks a notable win for a major tech company amidst increased regulatory scrutiny.

In related business news, artificial intelligence music generator Suno AI recently announced a substantial funding round, raising $125 million in Series B funding. This investment, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, brings the company's valuation to $500 million. Suno AI plans to use the capital to accelerate product development and expand its team, capitalizing on the growing demand for AI-powered creative tools.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrency exchange Kraken also completed a significant funding round, securing $100 million in a Series C round led by venture capital firm Paradigm. The funding aims to support Kraken's global expansion efforts and enhance its product offerings. This investment underscores continued investor confidence in the digital asset sector.