Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark US Antitrust Trial Against Meta

Mark Zuckerberg testified for a second day in a high-stakes antitrust trial where the FTC accuses Meta of stifling competition by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial, initiated by Trump-era officials, could force Meta to divest these platforms, fundamentally altering its business landscape. The FTC argues that Zuckerberg's past communications reveal a strategy to eliminate potential rivals, while Meta contends the market is broader than the FTC suggests, citing competitors like TikTok and YouTube. Zuckerberg's defense includes claims that the acquisitions were legitimate business decisions aimed at enhancing user experience, not anti-competitive maneuvers. Internal emails presented by the FTC, however, indicate that Zuckerberg recognized Instagram as a viable threat, further complicating Meta's defense. The outcome of this case could significantly impact the social media landscape and Meta's future operations.