U.S. officials have intensified their legal battle against Meta Platforms Inc. in a landmark antitrust trial, accusing the company of acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate competition and maintain a monopoly in the social media market. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated the lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Meta’s acquisitions were part of a strategy to suppress emerging rivals and stifle innovation. The FTC’s case argues that Meta’s actions have harmed consumers by reducing competition and limiting choices in the social networking space .
Meta has vigorously defended its position, asserting that the acquisitions benefited consumers by enhancing the services offered by Instagram and WhatsApp. CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified that the company misjudged social media trends initially but adapted by acquiring platforms that aligned with evolving user preferences. Meta contends that the FTC’s case lacks merit and that the company’s market presence is not monopolistic, citing competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube .
The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, is a significant test of the FTC’s ability to challenge major tech companies under the current administration. A ruling in favor of the FTC could compel Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, potentially reshaping the social media landscape
