FTC Begins Landmark Antitrust Trial Against Meta

Meta is set to face a high-stakes antitrust trial against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) starting Monday, with the agency alleging that Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp have enabled monopolization in the personal social networking market. The FTC is seeking to force the divestiture of these platforms, claiming that their purchase stifled competition and harmed users. In contrast, Meta defends its position, stating that it competes vigorously with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and asserting that the FTC's case fails to account for the competitiveness of the market. Key figures, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and rival executives, will testify during the trial, which could redefine aspects of U.S. antitrust law. Analysts have highlighted the trial's potential implications for Meta's business model, which heavily relies on its large user base across its platforms for advertising revenue. As the trial begins, Meta is reportedly seeking support from former President Trump to influence the outcome favorably.