Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified this week in a high-stakes antitrust trial that could reshape the social media landscape. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges Meta, formerly Facebook, violated competition laws through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
During two days of testimony in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Zuckerberg defended the company's 2012 purchase of Instagram for $1 billion and 2014 acquisition of WhatsApp for $19 billion. He characterized the Instagram deal as a standard "build-versus-buy" business decision, noting that Instagram's photo-sharing capabilities were superior to Meta's own Camera app at the time.
The FTC contends Meta pursued a "buy or bury" strategy to eliminate competition and maintain a social media monopoly. If successful, the government could force Meta to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, dramatically altering the company Zuckerberg founded in his Harvard dorm room in 2004.
Meta maintains the social media market remains highly competitive, pointing to rivals like TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The company argues consumers have not been harmed, as these services are offered free of charge.
The case, initiated during the Trump administration, highlights growing scrutiny of Big Tech's market power. Legal experts note antitrust cases typically progress slowly through the courts, with appeals likely regardless of the initial outcome.
The trial's result could set precedent for future tech industry regulation, as the FTC pursues similar action against other technology giants like Google. Judge James E. Boasberg is presiding over the case, which continues to unfold in Washington, D.C.