antitrust

The European Commission is considering “interim measures” against Meta to ensure third-party AI assistants can access WhatsApp. The Commission preliminarily found Meta’s updated terms, which banned these AI assistants, may violate EU antitrust rules. This action aims to prevent Meta from using its market power to harm competition in the rapidly evolving AI sector. Meta argues the WhatsApp Business API isn’t a critical distribution channel for AI chatbots, a stance the Commission is investigating.

US senators are urging the FTC and DOJ to investigate “reverse acqui-hiring” by Big Tech firms. They argue these talent-focused deals function as de facto mergers, allowing tech giants to consolidate AI expertise and resources while bypassing traditional antitrust reviews. This practice, exemplified by deals involving Meta, Google, and Nvidia, could stifle competition and innovation in the AI sector. The senators call for scrutiny and potential blocking of such transactions.

Google is appealing a federal court ruling that found it guilty of illegal monopolization in the search market. The company argues the decision ignores user choice and the intense competition it faces. The appeal seeks to halt mandated remedies, including data sharing for AI training and restrictions on long-term search agreements, which Google claims could harm privacy and stifle innovation.

The bankruptcy of iRobot, maker of the Roomba, highlights critical challenges in the tech industry. Intense global competition, particularly from cheaper Chinese knock-offs, eroded market share. A failed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon, blocked by European regulators citing antitrust concerns, left iRobot vulnerable. Experts argue this regulatory stance, prioritizing hypothetical future harms, inadvertently paved the way for iRobot’s acquisition by a Chinese manufacturer. Trade policy and tariffs further strained operations, serving as a cautionary tale about M&A exit strategies in a complex global market.

words.Netflix announced a $72 billion all‑cash acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio and HBO Max, aiming to create a content library that would command about 35 % of U.S. streaming hours. Netflix shares fell 2.9 % amid worries over debt and balance‑sheet strain, while Warner Bros. Discovery rose 6.3 % on the premium. The deal faces antitrust reviews in the U.S. and Europe, and analysts are split between its strategic upside and the financial and regulatory risks.

Netflix announced a $72 billion cash‑and‑stock deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio and HBO Max, prompting a 2.9 % stock dip amid balance‑sheet and earnings‑dilution worries, while Warner Bros. shares rose over 6 %. The merger would give Netflix a vast legacy library, premium originals, and stronger ad‑tech, but faces antitrust scrutiny and integration challenges. Meanwhile, the U.S. market posted modest gains, inflation eased, and a peace push in Ukraine. In the UK, policymakers aim for nuclear power to supply 25 % of electricity by 2050, backing large projects and SMRs despite financing and public‑acceptance hurdles.

Apple announced the retirements of General Counsel Kate Adams and VP for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson. Meta’s chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead will assume Apple’s general counsel role in March, with Jackson’s government‑affairs team reporting to her next year. Adams, who joined from Honeywell in 2017, oversaw litigation and antitrust challenges, while Jackson—formerly EPA administrator—led diversity, climate and the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. The reshuffle aims to tighten legal‑policy coordination amid rising global regulation, while preserving Apple’s ESG momentum and supporting its AI and innovation agenda.

Apple has challenged the Delhi High Court on the Competition Commission of India’s method of calculating antitrust fines, arguing that using global turnover is unconstitutional and could impose a $38 billion penalty. The CCI is probing Apple’s mandatory in‑app purchase system after complaints from Indian startups and Match Group. Despite regulatory pressure, Apple shipped a record 5 million iPhones in Q3 2025 and aims for 15 million annual sales, while expanding Indian exports to $12.8 billion. The case highlights regulatory risk, potential changes to commission fees, and the strategic shift of Apple’s supply chain to India.

Meta Platforms won a U.S. District Court ruling against the FTC in an antitrust case. The judge found the FTC failed to prove Meta currently holds a monopoly in social networking, particularly after acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The court cited the rise of TikTok and YouTube as evidence of increased competition. The FTC expressed disappointment and is reviewing options. Meta’s stock experienced a slight dip following the ruling while Meta maintains that the ruling acknowledges that it faces fierce competition.

Apple briefly surpassed a $4 trillion market cap, driven by iPhone 17 demand, favorable antitrust rulings securing its Google search deal, and strategic domestic manufacturing investments. Analysts at Bank of America and JPMorgan express optimism, projecting earnings growth and raising price targets based on future AI prospects. While AI rollout delays raise concerns, strong iPhone sales and tariff management contribute to a positive outlook. Upcoming earnings are crucial to validate the iPhone upgrade cycle and demonstrate sustained growth amid competition.