24 sources·Technology

Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark FTC Antitrust Trial Against Meta

Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta against FTC claims of unfair monopolization through acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in an ongoing antitrust trial.

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Meta says there's plenty of competition in social media, including from apps such as TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta in social media monopoly trial
BBC News·4d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
If successful, the FTC would likely seek the court to order Meta to restructure its company, or to divest from acquired companies, including Instagram and WhatsApp.
Zuckerberg endures early grilling on day 1 of Meta monopoly trial
Fox Business·4d
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This outlet slightly leans right.
The stakes are particularly high for Meta.
Mark Zuckerberg called to testify in landmark antitrust trial
Straight Arrow News·4d
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Center
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The case could have major consequences for the social media space.
Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Opening of Meta Antitrust Trial
Epoch Times·4d
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.
The FTC argued that Meta has had a monopoly on social networking since 2011, with Snapchat being one of the only comparable platforms.
Meta faces off against FTC in antitrust case that could force divestment from Instagram, WhatsApp
The Post Millennial·4d
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This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
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The trial could have major implications for big tech.
How Meta's blockbuster antitrust trial could have major implications for big tech
PBS NewsHour·4d
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Meta's attorney argued that they compete on a much larger playing field than merely news feeds from friends and family members, to short-form videos and messaging.
Mark Zuckerberg Takes Stand In Meta Antitrust Trial
Deadline·4d
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Center
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Ultimately, it will be up to the FTC to prove that Meta couldn't have achieved its dominance today without buying Instagram and WhatsApp (in 2012 and 2014 respectively), while legal experts told the NYT that it is "extremely rare" to unwind mergers approved so many years ago.
FTC’s monopoly case hinges on Zuckerberg’s damaging texts, emails
ARS Technica·4d
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Center
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The showdown is the largest legal challenge brought against Meta in the company's roughly 20-year history.
Mark Zuckerberg called to testify in Facebook parent Meta's antitrust trial
CBS News·4d
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Center
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If the FTC wins the case, Meta could be forced to spin off WhatsApp and Instagram, which would upend the company’s core advertising business and reshape the broader social media ecosystem.
Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand on first day of Meta antitrust trial | Business
CNN·4d
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Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
Taken together, the legal actions against the tech companies underscore growing public and political backlash against the business practices of Silicon Valley.
Meta and the FTC face off in court over monopoly claims
NPR·5d
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Center
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The Meta case is being made by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the powerful US consumer protection agency, and could see the owner of Facebook forced to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, which have grown into global powerhouses since their buyout.
Meta Chief Zuckerberg Testifies at Landmark US Antitrust Trial
Newsmax·5d
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Right
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The trial poses the first major test for the FTC under the second Trump administration.
Meta faces antitrust claims at trial over Instagram and WhatsApp ownership
The Guardian·5d
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The trial is seen as a test of the Trump administration's resolve to challenge Big Tech's power.
Facebook owner Meta faces existential threat at trial over Instagram, WhatsApp
USA TODAY·5d
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Center
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The looming antitrust trial will be the first big test of President Donald Trump’s Federal Trade Commission’s ability to challenge Big Tech.
Meta faces historic antitrust trial that could force it to break off Instagram, WhatsApp
Boston Herald·5d
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Meta's fate will be decided by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who late last year denied Meta's request for a summary judgment and ruled that the case must go to trial.
Meta faces antitrust trial that could force it to break off Instagram, WhatsApp
ABC News·5d
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Center
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Meta's fate will be decided by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who late last year denied Meta's request for a summary judgment and ruled that the case must go to trial.
Meta faces historic antitrust trial that could force it to break off Instagram, WhatsApp
Associated Press·5d
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Updated: Apr 14th, 2025, 10:50 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the witness stand in a landmark antitrust trial initiated by the FTC, which alleges that Meta created a monopoly by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial, which may last up to eight weeks, focuses on whether these acquisitions suppressed competition. FTC attorney Daniel Matheson emphasized internal emails revealing Zuckerberg's concerns about competition, while Meta’s defense argues the acquisitions enhanced the consumer experience. The case could compel Meta to divest Instagram or WhatsApp, significantly impacting its revenue. As the trial unfolds, the outcome may set important precedents for regulating Big Tech.

Perspectives

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Meta is facing a significant antitrust trial that may force it to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, with potential implications for its market dominance in social media.
The FTC alleges that Meta's acquisitions and practices hinder competition and maintain an illegal monopoly in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Judge James Boasberg's rulings indicate skepticism towards the FTC's narrow market definition, raising questions about whether the commission can successfully prove its case against Meta.

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