Meta Platforms Inc. is currently undergoing a significant antitrust trial in the United States, where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused the tech giant of unlawfully acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate potential competition in the social media market.
FTC’s Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The FTC’s lawsuit, filed in December 2020, alleges that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were strategic moves to suppress emerging competitors. The agency argues that these purchases were part of a broader “buy or bury” strategy aimed at consolidating Meta’s dominance in the social networking space.
Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is presiding over the trial, which commenced in April 2025. The proceedings are expected to last several months, with key figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former COO Sheryl Sandberg, and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom slated to testify.
Meta’s Defense and Market Competition
Meta has denied the FTC’s allegations, asserting that the acquisitions were pro-competitive and beneficial to consumers.The company contends that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and iMessage provide substantial competition, challenging the FTC’s market definition that excludes these services.
The outcome of this trial could have profound implications for the tech industry, potentially setting new precedents for how acquisitions are scrutinized under antitrust laws
