Zuckerberg Admits Acquiring Instagram for Superior Camera in Antitrust Trial

During the ongoing antitrust trial against Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified that he acquired Instagram due to its superior camera technology, which was more effective than what Facebook was attempting to develop. This admission supports the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) claims that Meta employed a 'buy or bury' strategy to eliminate competition and maintain its monopoly in the social media market. Zuckerberg acknowledged that many of Meta's past attempts to create its own apps often failed to gain traction, reinforcing the argument that acquiring competitors was a strategic move. In his testimony, he stated, 'Building a new app is hard,' which underscores the challenges faced by Meta in developing new products. The trial could lead to significant repercussions for Meta, including the potential divestment of Instagram and WhatsApp if the FTC succeeds. This case represents a critical moment in the U.S. government's efforts to scrutinize and regulate Big Tech.