A landmark monopoly case involving Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is set to begin on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The case, brought by the Federal Trade Commission, questions whether Meta broke antitrust laws by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp to maintain its dominance in social media.
Regulators argue that Meta engaged in a “buy or bury” strategy by acquiring competitors, stifling competition in the social networking market. Meta contends that it faces competition from other platforms like TikTok and Snap, and that regulators approved the acquisitions at the time.
The outcome of this trial, the first major tech case prosecuted by the Trump administration, could have far-reaching implications for the antitrust landscape in the U.S. and for the tech industry as a whole. A government victory could lead to more choices for consumers and increased competition in social media.
The case is part of a broader effort by federal regulators to rein in the power of big tech companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Apple. These companies are facing scrutiny over their control of the ways consumers shop, find information, and communicate.
The trial will feature testimony from Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other key executives. Meta’s defense team, led by experienced litigators, will argue that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp have benefited competition and consumers.
While the case will be challenging to prove, as it relies on determining intentions from over a decade ago, its outcome could potentially lead to significant changes in the tech industry and how antitrust laws are enforced in the future.
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