Meta Faces Landmark Antitrust Trial Over Instagram and WhatsApp Acquisitions

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken the witness stand in a high-stakes antitrust trial that could reshape the future of the tech giant. The case, brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), challenges Meta’s past acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp—two platforms that have since grown into global leaders in social media and messaging.

The FTC argues that Meta's purchases of the two startups more than a decade ago were part of a broader strategy to eliminate competition and maintain a monopoly in the social networking space.

"A Moat to Protect Its Monopoly"

During opening statements, FTC attorney Daniel Matheson said Meta intentionally acquired Instagram and WhatsApp not just to expand its reach, but to neutralize potential rivals. He accused the company of “erecting a moat” around its dominance, prioritizing profit over innovation and consumer satisfaction.

"Meta has used its dominant position to generate enormous profits, while users have seen a drop in satisfaction and limited choices in the market," Matheson told the court.

Zuckerberg is the FTC’s first witness, and several other Meta executives are expected to testify over the course of the trial.

What’s at Stake for Meta

A ruling against Meta could force the company to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp—a dramatic move that analysts say could significantly weaken Meta’s advertising business, possibly cutting it in half.

Meta, which has long denied any wrongdoing, argues that its acquisitions were legal and helped grow the platforms into the global tools they are today.

Part of a Larger Crackdown

Meta is not alone in facing increased regulatory scrutiny. Google and Amazon are also in the crosshairs of U.S. antitrust regulators. The remedy phase in Google’s ongoing case is scheduled to begin on April 21, following a federal judge’s ruling that the company violated antitrust laws in the search market.

The outcome of Meta’s case could have ripple effects across the tech industry, signaling a stronger push by regulators to rein in Big Tech’s influence.