Washington – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified Monday in a pivotal U.S. antitrust trial that could force his company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accuses Meta of buying out emerging competitors instead of competing fairly, marking one of the most consequential tech trials in recent history.
The FTC argues that Facebook’s $1 billion purchase of Instagram in 2012 and its $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 were strategic moves to eliminate future threats. In opening arguments, FTC lawyer Daniel Matheson said Meta “decided that competition is too hard and it would be easier to buy out their rivals.”
Meta’s defense, led by attorney Mark Hansen, claimed the acquisitions helped scale and improve the platforms and did not violate U.S. antitrust laws. “Acquisitions to improve and grow an acquired firm are not unlawful,” Hansen said.
The trial, overseen by Judge James Boasberg, is expected to last at least eight weeks. Zuckerberg, former COO Sheryl Sandberg, and multiple tech executives are set to testify.
The FTC presented internal emails from Zuckerberg, including one calling Instagram “really scary,” underscoring the company’s perceived urgency to acquire it. The commission claims Meta’s dominance has led to a poorer user experience, with more ads and fewer choices for consumers.
Meta argues it faces strong competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, iMessage, and X (formerly Twitter), and that its apps remain free for users. The crux of the trial may hinge on how the court defines Meta’s market.
The case is one of several antitrust actions taken by the U.S. government against Big Tech, including lawsuits against Google, Apple, and Amazon.