Publication Date: 18.11.2025
Author: Roland Lindner
Source: FAZ.net
Publication Date: 18.11.2025
Summary Reading Time: 4 minutes
Executive Summary
Meta achieves a complete victory against the US antitrust authority FTC, which demanded a breakup of the corporation and the separation of Instagram and WhatsApp. Judge James Boasberg ruled that Meta holds no monopoly in the relevant market, as the competitive landscape has changed dramatically and platforms like TikTok and YouTube have emerged as equal competitors. The ruling strengthens the position of major tech corporations and could influence ongoing antitrust proceedings against Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Critical Key Questions
How should markets be defined in a digitized economy? Is the FTC definition too narrow, or does the judge overlook Meta's structural market power in personal communication?
What are the consequences of Zuckerberg's political rapprochement with Trump? To what extent does strategic proximity to political power holders influence the enforcement of antitrust law and free competition?
Where is the line between natural growth and anti-competitive acquisitions? Must antitrust authorities fundamentally rethink their evaluation criteria given the rapid development of digital markets?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
Meta can continue its expansion strategy unimpeded. Other Big Tech corporations will be encouraged to fight more aggressively against antitrust lawsuits. The FTC might appeal or pursue a less confrontational course under the new Trump administration.
Medium-term (5 years):
The ruling establishes a precedent for dynamic market definitions in the tech industry. Antitrust authorities must adapt their strategies and focus more on preventive regulation. Meta invests heavily in AI and Virtual Reality to secure new market positions.
Long-term (10-20 years):
The decision could lay the foundation for a more liberal antitrust practice that prioritizes innovation and market dynamics over structural size. At the same time, there's a risk that a few tech giants could circumvent regulatory control through skillful political lobbying.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
Meta has won an antitrust battle with the US government that originally aimed to break up the corporation and separate Instagram and WhatsApp. The lawsuit filed by the FTC in 2020 failed on the fundamental question of monopoly status in a rapidly changing digital market.
Most Important Facts & Figures
- Market Value: Meta is valued at approximately $1.5 trillion on the stock exchange
- Revenue Growth: 26% increase in the latest business quarter
- Acquisitions: Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014) may remain with Meta
- Investment Commitment: Zuckerberg promised Trump $600 billion in investments by 2028
- Settlement Offer: Meta offered the FTC $450 million for a settlement (rejected)
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Direct Winners: Meta shareholders, other Big Tech corporations (Amazon, Apple, Google), Mark Zuckerberg
Affected Institutions: FTC (defeat), future Trump administration, EU antitrust authorities
Social Impact: Social media users, competing platforms like TikTok and YouTube
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: Clarity for tech investors, innovation promotion through less regulatory intervention, dynamic market definitions
Risks: Weakening of antitrust oversight, possible power concentration despite formal competition, political influence on judiciary
Action Relevance
For Decision Makers: The ruling shows that dynamic market analyses and current competitive realities are weighted more heavily than historical market positions. Tech companies should adapt their defense strategies in antitrust proceedings accordingly. Political proximity to power holders is becoming increasingly important as a strategic factor.
Bibliography
Primary Source:
Meta Wins Antitrust Battle – FAZ.net
Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on 18.11.2025