Meta Platforms Inc., the company behind Facebook, goes to trial Monday in a major antitrust case that could force it to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says Meta used its power to crush competition instead of playing fair.
The case centers on Meta’s purchase of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. At the time, both were small but growing. Today, they’re two of the most popular social media apps in the world and key parts of Meta’s business.
The FTC claims Meta bought these companies to stop them from becoming threats. Instead of building better products, Meta followed a strategy of “buy rather than compete,” according to the agency. The FTC says this allowed Meta to hold onto its dominance in social media—especially as users moved from desktop computers to mobile apps.
Meta denies the claims. The company argues that it faces plenty of competition now, including from TikTok, YouTube, and Apple’s iMessage. Meta says breaking up the company would hurt U.S. innovation and help foreign competitors.
Meta also says the FTC must prove it has monopoly power now, not just years ago. Legal experts say that’s a tough job, since the social media market has changed a lot. There are more platforms, more users, and more ways to connect than when Instagram and WhatsApp were sold.
A judge will decide the outcome. Last year, he ruled that the case should go to trial, even though he questioned some of the FTC’s arguments. If Meta loses, it may be forced to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, which could cost the company billions.
This is one of several big lawsuits against major tech companies. Google and Amazon are also under fire from federal regulators. The Meta trial could shape how the U.S. handles tech giants moving forward—and whether older antitrust laws still work in today’s digital world.
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