Meta asks judge to throw out antitrust case mid-trial

Meta has filed a motion for judgment in its ongoing antitrust case, asserting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that Meta unlawfully monopolized the social networking market. The case centers on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The motion was filed after the FTC concluded its arguments in a trial before Judge James Boasberg. Meta spokesperson Christopher Sgro contends that the FTC has not met the legal standard required under antitrust law, arguing that Instagram competes with platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The motion aims to expedite a resolution by assessing the case's merits before full arguments have been completed. Despite this, the trial is set to continue with Meta presenting its defense.
The broader implications of this case are significant for the tech industry, as it challenges the FTC's definition of the social networking market and raises questions about what constitutes monopolistic behavior. Meta's argument hinges on the existence of strong competitors like TikTok, which it claims the FTC has overlooked. Testimonies from key figures such as Instagram's co-founder Kevin Systrom and its current head Adam Mosseri have presented differing views on Meta's business practices. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how tech giants' acquisitions are scrutinized in the future, potentially influencing regulatory approaches in the US and beyond.
RATING
The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the ongoing antitrust case between Meta and the FTC, focusing on Meta's legal strategies and the FTC's allegations. It offers a clear narrative that is accessible to a general audience, with a strong emphasis on Meta's perspective. While the article is factually accurate and covers a topic of significant public interest, it could benefit from a more balanced representation of viewpoints, particularly by including direct statements from the FTC and independent experts. The reliance on Meta's spokesperson as the primary source introduces potential bias, which could be mitigated by incorporating a wider range of authoritative voices. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a complex legal issue with potential implications for the tech industry, though it could enhance its credibility and engagement by diversifying its sources and providing more detailed legal context.
RATING DETAILS
The story accurately reflects the ongoing legal proceedings between Meta and the FTC, detailing the motion filed by Meta for judgment on the antitrust case. It correctly states that Meta argues the FTC has failed to produce evidence of unlawful monopolization, which aligns with the actual legal arguments presented. The article's claim about the FTC's allegations regarding Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp is factual and matches the case details. However, the statement about the FTC spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars is a claim from Meta's spokesperson and should be independently verified for precision. The article does not misrepresent the key facts, but the lack of external sources or direct quotes from official court documents leaves room for improvement in verifiability.
The article primarily presents Meta's perspective, particularly through quotes from a Meta spokesperson and descriptions of the company's defense strategy. While it mentions the FTC's position and the nature of its allegations, the article lacks direct quotes or statements from FTC representatives, which would provide a more balanced view. The inclusion of testimony from both critical and supportive witnesses within Meta's ecosystem adds some balance, but the overall tone leans towards Meta's narrative. The story could be improved by incorporating more perspectives from independent experts or directly from the FTC to ensure a more equitable representation of the ongoing legal battle.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the ongoing legal proceedings between Meta and the FTC. It effectively summarizes the main points of the case and Meta's defense strategy, using straightforward language that is accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of direct quotes from Meta's spokesperson adds to the clarity of the company's position. However, the article could benefit from a more explicit explanation of the legal terms and processes involved, such as the significance of a motion for judgment on partial findings, to enhance reader comprehension further.
The article relies heavily on statements from a Meta spokesperson and the company's legal filings, which are credible sources for conveying Meta's perspective. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, such as independent legal experts or direct statements from the FTC, which would enhance the article's credibility. The reliance on a single viewpoint from Meta introduces potential bias, as the company's vested interest in the case could affect the impartiality of the information presented. Including authoritative voices from outside Meta would strengthen the article's overall reliability and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.
The article does not provide detailed context about the broader implications of the antitrust case or the specific legal standards involved, which affects its transparency. While it outlines Meta's arguments and the FTC's allegations, it does not delve into the methodology or legal criteria used to assess monopolistic behavior. Additionally, the article does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some of its claims, such as the cost of the FTC's case. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the legal context would enhance the reader's understanding and trust in the reported content.
Sources
- https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/meta-begins-defense-after-ftc-concludes-case-in-landmark-antitrust-trial/
- https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250515-us-rests-case-in-landmark-meta-antitrust-trial
- https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/191-0134-facebook-inc-ftc-v-ftc-v-meta-platforms-inc
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTC_v._Meta
- https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L1N3RN1F1:0-meta-asks-judge-to-rule-that-ftc-failed-to-prove-its-monopoly-case/
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