FTC revives Meta antitrust case in fresh trouble for Zuckerberg
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FTC Appeals Dismissal of Meta Antitrust Case
Did Meta illegally monopolize social networking by buying competitors, or does it compete fairly in an evolving market?
Above: Meta exhibition stand at the BRIDGE Summit at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Dec. 10, 2025. Image credit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The FTC rightly appeals because Meta's decade-long monopoly wasn't earned—it was bought. Rather than compete, they eliminated threats by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. Trial evidence exposed this anticompetitive stranglehold that crushed real competition while Meta amassed unprecedented profits. This appeal isn't just about one company—it's about defending fair markets and ensuring American businesses can actually compete.
Narrative B
The FTC's appeal is misguided because it ignores market reality. Meta competes fiercely against TikTok, YouTube, and countless others — not in some fabricated monopoly box. Their success comes from genuine innovation and smart investment, not illegal conduct. The evidence shows continuous product improvements benefiting users. This appeal punishes achievement while pretending the social media landscape hasn't dramatically evolved since this case began.
Metaculus Prediction
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0