A high-stakes antitrust trial that could reshape the future of Big Tech has begun in Washington. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is targeting Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The case alleges that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were strategic moves to eliminate competition and dominate social networking.
Why the FTC Is Taking Meta to Court
The FTC argues that Meta’s purchase of both platforms gave the company an unfair monopoly. Though the deals were approved over a decade ago, the FTC says it had committed to monitoring their impact—and now believes those acquisitions stifled innovation and consumer choice.
Key evidence includes internal communications from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who allegedly once said, “It’s better to buy than compete”—a phrase that could weigh heavily in court.
If the FTC wins the case, Meta could be forced to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp, breaking up one of the world’s most dominant tech ecosystems.
Meta’s Defense: “Consumers Are Better Off”
Meta contends that the FTC’s claims defy reality. The company argues that the acquisitions strengthened Instagram and WhatsApp by giving them the resources to grow and innovate. Meta will likely say that users have benefited significantly from improved features, better security, and a global scale under Meta’s ownership.
Executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg, are expected to testify in what could be a lengthy trial.
Political Undercurrents and Lobbying Concerns
The timing of the case under President Donald Trump’s second term adds political complexity. Reports suggest Zuckerberg has personally lobbied the Trump administration to drop the lawsuit, which has sparked criticism and concerns about political interference.
In a bold move earlier this year, President Trump fired two Democratic FTC commissioners, temporarily dominating the agency with Republicans. While a new Republican member has since been confirmed, critics argue that the firings send a chilling message to regulators.
“The president sent an obvious signal,” said ousted commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. “Regulators are expected to fall in line—or be removed.”
Could Meta Be Broken Up?
Legal experts say the FTC has an uphill battle. Unlike Google’s dominance in online search, Meta faces fierce competition from TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). Laura Phillips-Sawyer, a business law professor at the University of Georgia, says proving that Meta holds a monopoly will be difficult in such a crowded space.
“It’s not like the Google search case, where they control 90% of the market,” she said. “There’s more variety in social platforms.”
Meta echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The evidence will show what every teenager already knows: Meta’s platforms compete directly with TikTok, YouTube, X, iMessage, and others.”
What’s at Stake for Big Tech?
This trial is one of several antitrust efforts aimed at reining in tech giants. The outcome could set a precedent for future regulatory actions, especially as governments worldwide scrutinize the growing influence of companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon.
If Meta loses, it may be required to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp—breaking up a digital empire that connects billions of users globally. For now, all eyes are on Washington as the landmark trial unfolds.
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