The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced plans to appeal a recent court decision that went in favor of Meta Platforms, escalating its long-running antitrust battle with the social media giant. The ruling dealt a setback to regulators seeking to unwind Meta’s past acquisitions, but the agency has made it clear that it is not backing down.

Background of the Antitrust Case

The case centers on Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, deals that regulators argue helped the company eliminate competition and cement its dominance in the social networking market. The FTC has maintained that these purchases were part of a broader strategy to neutralize emerging rivals rather than compete on innovation.

Court Ruling Deals Blow to Regulators

In its decision, the court ruled that the FTC had failed to sufficiently prove that Meta currently holds monopoly power in a clearly defined market. The judge also pointed to gaps in the agency’s economic evidence, which ultimately weakened the case at this stage.

FTC Pushes Back With Appeal Plan

Following the ruling, the FTC said it would pursue an appeal, signaling its determination to strengthen its legal arguments and challenge the court’s interpretation. The agency emphasized that enforcing antitrust laws remains a priority, particularly in digital markets where competition can be difficult to measure.

Meta Welcomes Decision, Defends Acquisitions

Meta responded positively to the ruling, reiterating that its acquisitions were reviewed and approved by regulators at the time. The company argues that Instagram and WhatsApp benefited from Meta’s investment and grew into global platforms that continue to face competition from a wide range of tech firms.

Implications for Big Tech Regulation

The appeal could have wide-reaching consequences for how U.S. antitrust laws are applied to large technology companies. A successful appeal may embolden regulators to revisit past mergers, while another loss could raise questions about the limits of current competition laws in fast-evolving digital markets.

What Happens Next

The appeals process is expected to take months, if not longer. As the case continues, it will be closely watched by policymakers, tech companies, and legal experts as a key test of the government’s ability to rein in Big Tech.