Meta Defeats FTC’s Antitrust Case Alleging Social-Media Monopoly

A federal judge ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which argued that the acquisitions were anti-competitive. This decision allows Meta to retain ownership of these platforms without the threat of being forced to divest them, marking a significant legal victory for the company.

Meta has successfully won an antitrust case that could have compelled the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. A federal judge ruled in favor of Meta, rejecting the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) claims that the acquisitions of these platforms violated antitrust laws. This ruling is seen as a significant legal victory for Meta, allowing it to retain ownership of its popular social media services.

Meta Platforms Inc. achieved a significant legal victory when a federal judge ruled that its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp do not breach US antitrust laws. This decision comes as part of an ongoing scrutiny of large tech companies and their market practices. The ruling is seen as a pivotal moment for Meta, affirming its business strategies in expanding its social media and messaging services without facing antitrust violations.

John Hegeman, Meta's Chief Revenue Officer, is leaving the company to start his own venture after nearly two decades of working on monetization and the Facebook app. His departure marks a significant change in leadership at Meta, which is currently navigating challenges in its business strategy.

Researchers have uncovered a significant security flaw in WhatsApp, revealing 3.5 billion phone numbers through the app's contact discovery tool. This breach represents the most extensive exposure of phone numbers to date, alongside associated profile photos and other personal information. The findings raise serious concerns about user privacy and the effectiveness of WhatsApp's security measures.

A study by Which? has revealed that popular AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot, are providing British consumers with inaccurate financial advice. The research found that these chatbots offered misleading tips on investments, tax, and insurance. For instance, ChatGPT incorrectly stated that travel insurance is mandatory for most EU countries, while Copilot advised users to breach HMRC investment limits on ISAs. Additionally, Meta's AI provided false information regarding compensation claims for delayed flights.

Facebook has introduced new tools aimed at helping creators monitor accounts that are stealing their content. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing efforts to support content creators and protect their intellectual property on the platform. The tools will enable creators to track unauthorized use of their work, thereby enhancing their ability to manage and safeguard their content online. This development reflects Facebook's commitment to fostering a safer environment for creators and ensuring that their rights are respected.

Meta and Google have announced a delay in the deployment of undersea cables due to security concerns. This decision highlights the growing apprehension regarding the safety and integrity of global internet infrastructure, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions. The companies have not specified a new timeline for the project, which is crucial for enhancing internet connectivity across various regions. The delay raises questions about the future of such initiatives and the potential impact on global internet access.