Meta Challenges FTC’s Monopoly Claims Amid Enshittification Debate
Meta has announced its intent to conclude its antitrust trial with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), asserting that the agency’s case lacks the required evidence to substantiate its claims of monopoly power. The company has submitted a motion for judgment, stating that the FTC has not provided proof that the quality of its apps has declined or that the user experience has been negatively impacted by excessive ad loads. Meta argues that these deficiencies are critical to the FTC’s case, which centers on the assertion that the company has used its monopoly power to prioritize ad revenue over user experience, a concept referred to as ‘enshittification.’ Furthermore, Meta points out that there is no legal precedent for antitrust cases based solely on product quality degradation, which the FTC has not cited in its arguments.
Meta has consistently maintained that its users benefit from the presence of ads, and the FTC’s failure to provide a clear baseline for ad numbers and user behavior has significantly weakened its case. The company also emphasizes that it only shows more ads to users who click on them, rather than indiscriminately increasing ad loads. This stance has led to the argument that the FTC has not demonstrated that the ad load is excessive or that users are being harmed by the presence of ads, which in turn weakens its position.
Additionally, Meta has challenged the FTC’s claims regarding the acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that these acquisitions have been beneficial to users. The company has pointed out that without Meta’s resources, Instagram may have struggled to survive, and that the acquisition allowed the app to thrive and grow into a global platform. Similarly, Meta has stated that WhatsApp was always intended to remain a simple messaging app, and that the company’s acquisition did not involve any plans to transform it into a social media platform. The company argues that any claims of enshittification are not supported by evidence and that the FTC’s case is based on speculation rather than concrete data.
Overall, the outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Meta’s future. A ruling in favor of the company could prevent the breakup of its services, while a denial would likely result in the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over antitrust regulations and the potential impact of corporate monopolies on consumer experiences.