Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify for an extended seven-hour session as part of an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The case, originally launched during Donald Trump’s first presidential term, aims to reverse Meta’s acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. The move is part of the broader U.S. government's effort to curb the monopolistic power of major tech companies.

FTC’s Antitrust Case Against Meta: Key Details

The FTC has been pursuing legal action against Meta (formerly Facebook) since 2020, alleging that the company maintains an illegal monopoly in the social media market. The core of the argument lies in Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram (2012) for $1 billion and WhatsApp (2014) for $19 billion. The commission claims that these acquisitions were strategic moves to eliminate potential competitors, thereby reducing market competition.

In November 2024, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg dismissed some of the FTC’s allegations but allowed the central claims regarding Instagram and WhatsApp to proceed to trial. The trial is scheduled to begin in April 2025.

Meta Executives in the Witness Lineup

The FTC's witness list features several past and present Meta executives, who will be required to testify:

• Mark Zuckerberg (Meta CEO) – 7-hour questioning

• Kevin Systrom (Instagram Co-founder) – 3-hour questioning

• Sheryl Sandberg (Former Facebook COO)

• Adam Mosseri (Current Head of Instagram)

• Javier Olivan (Current Meta COO)

This high-profile questioning underscores the FTC’s aggressive stance in challenging Meta’s social media dominance.

Meta’s Defense: "Our Acquisitions Benefit Consumers"

A Meta spokesperson has responded, saying:

“We are confident that the evidence presented at trial will demonstrate that acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp has benefited both competition and consumers.”

Meta maintains that these acquisitions have led to innovation, better services, and enhanced security features, countering the FTC’s monopoly claims.

FTC’s Potential Plans: Breaking Up Meta?

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The FTC’s ultimate goal is to dismantle Meta’s monopoly by forcing the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, making them independent entities once again. However, Judge Boasberg has cautioned that the case faces significant legal challenges due to the aging nature of U.S. antitrust laws.

Legal & Business Implications

If the FTC succeeds:

• Meta could be forced to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp, reshaping the social media landscape.

• Other tech giants (Google, Amazon, Apple) may face similar scrutiny.

• Regulatory oversight on Big Tech could intensify, impacting future mergers and acquisitions.

However, if Meta successfully defends its case:

• Its dominance in social media remains unchallenged.

• This case may set a precedent for future antitrust regulations.

Final Thoughts: What Lies Ahead?

With Mark Zuckerberg’s seven-hour grilling and multiple high-profile testimonies, this landmark case could redefine the future of social media regulation and competition. Whether the FTC succeeds in its attempt to break up Meta remains to be seen, but the implications for the tech industry and digital economy are massive.

Stay tuned as the case unfolds!