Meta faces antitrust claims at trial over Instagram and WhatsApp ownership

a year ago

Meta Platforms faces a high-stakes antitrust trial over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
The FTC alleges Meta bought competitors to maintain its social media monopoly and seeks to unwind the deals.
Meta argues the acquisitions benefited users and points to current competition from TikTok, YouTube, and others.
Losing Instagram could severely impact Meta's revenue, as it accounts for over half of US ad revenue.
The trial's outcome could reshape the social media industry, potentially leading to a surge in new startups.
Meta has been courting Trump's administration, including policy changes and donations, to influence the case.
Zuckerberg is expected to testify about past emails discussing neutralizing competitors via acquisitions.
The FTC claims Meta holds a monopoly in friend-and-family sharing, with Snapchat and MeWe as minor competitors.
The trial could last until July, with a potential second phase to determine remedies if the FTC wins.
WhatsApp, though not a major revenue driver, is key to Meta's future growth through business messaging services.

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