Meta Faces Antitrust Trial Over Instagram, WhatsApp Acquisitions

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a significant antitrust trial against Meta Platforms, focusing on the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC alleges that Meta engaged in anti-competitive practices to eliminate potential rivals and maintain its market dominance, claiming internal communications from CEO Mark Zuckerberg support this view. The trial, expected to last seven to eight weeks, will feature testimonies from key Meta executives, including Zuckerberg, as the company defends itself against accusations of monopolization. Meta has characterized the FTC's claims as unfounded, arguing that the social media landscape is highly competitive and that the agency is attempting to reverse decisions made over a decade ago. The outcome could lead to major implications for corporate acquisitions in the tech industry and potentially require Meta to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp. This case marks a critical moment in the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech and its business practices.