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.
34:52
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The FTC's case against Meta centers on whether the company maintains an illegal monopoly that harms competition in social media.
- The trial's outcome could significantly reshape digital merger assessments and set precedents for future antitrust enforcement actions against tech giants.
Deep dives
Overview of the FTC Case Against Meta
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is pursuing a case against Meta to determine if the company maintains an illegal monopoly over social media, specifically seeking to enforce a divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. This case has been in the works for years and has faced various delays, primarily due to a backlog of cases in the courts and the parties not pushing for an expedited trial. Comparatively, this case is progressing much slower than a previous notable antitrust case against Microsoft in the late 1990s, possibly impacting public perception of its urgency. As the trial approaches, the complexity of the market and the dynamic nature of digital platforms remain critical focal points for the court's examination.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
