## Meta Under Scrutiny: FTC Antitrust Trial Focuses on Instagram and WhatsApp Acquisitions
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta are currently locked in a high-stakes antitrust trial that began on April 14th. Presiding over the case is DC District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, who will be meticulously reviewing arguments to determine whether Meta (formerly Facebook) illegally established a monopoly within the “personal social networking services” market. The FTC’s primary contention revolves around Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, alleging that these acquisitions were strategically implemented to stifle competition.
The FTC initially filed its lawsuit against Meta in late 2020. Though initially dismissed, the judge allowed an amended version to proceed, following the government providing further details to substantiate claims of Meta being a monopoly. The current trial phase aims to establish whether Meta is liable for violating antitrust laws. Should Judge Boasberg rule against Meta, a subsequent phase will determine the appropriate remedies, with the FTC advocating for the divestiture, or spin-off, of Instagram and WhatsApp.
This trial marks the third instance in recent years where US authorities have sought to dismantle a major technology conglomerate. The Justice Department has initiated two separate lawsuits against Google, challenging its dominance in the search and ad tech sectors. The outcome of the FTC v. Meta case could have far-reaching implications for the future of tech acquisitions and the structure of the social media landscape.
Below are real-time updates, offering insights into the arguments, testimonies, and key moments unfolding within the courtroom during the FTC v. Meta trial.
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