The Sunday Show A Guide to the FTC's Case Against Meta
Apr 13, 2025
William (Bill) Kovacic, a former FTC chair and legal expert, joins Gene Kimmelman, a senior policy fellow, to dissect the FTC's landmark case against Meta. They delve into the lengthy path to trial, contrasting it with the swift resolution of the Microsoft case. The duo explores the complexities of defining competition in the digital age, the pivotal role of witness testimony, and the slim chances of settlement amid lobbying pressures. Their insights reveal critical implications for future antitrust enforcement and tech regulation.
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FTC's Initial Complaint Challenges
- The FTC's initial complaint was dismissed for being too simplistic and not fully developed.
- Courts take time and require detailed, nuanced understanding of digital platform dynamics.
Niche Market Definition Strategy
- FTC defines "personal social networking services" narrowly, excluding TikTok and YouTube as competitors.
- The market niche includes networks for family and close friends, distinct from video platforms.
Dual Time Dimension Challenge
- The case examines competition over two timelines: past (2012-14 Instagram and WhatsApp deals) and current market with TikTok and others.
- This dual timeline complicates assessing whether Meta's acquisitions blocked competition.