Is Meta Migrating Towards a Huge Break Up?

Inputs : Shiv Narayan Mishra

Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is in the spotlight as it battles a landmark antitrust case that could reshape the social media landscape. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) kicked off a high-stakes trial on Monday, accusing Meta of illegally stifling competition by acquiring Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. Here’s the latest on what’s at stake, Meta’s defense, and other recent developments across its platforms.

The Antitrust Trial: A Threat to Meta’s EmpireThe FTC alleges that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram (for $1 billion) and WhatsApp (for $19 billion) were strategic moves to eliminate potential rivals rather than enhance services. The agency claims these deals cemented Meta’s dominance in social networking, violating antitrust laws under the Sherman Act of 1890. If the FTC wins, Meta could be forced to divest Instagram—which accounts for an estimated 50% or more of its U.S. ad revenue—and WhatsApp, a messaging giant with billions of users worldwide. Such a breakup would be one of the biggest in tech history.The trial, expected to last seven to eight weeks in a Washington, D.C., federal court, will see heavyweights like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former COO Sheryl Sandberg, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri take the stand.

The FTC is armed with internal documents, including a 2008 Zuckerberg email stating, “It is better to buy than compete,” and a 2012 memo describing the Instagram deal as a way to “neutralize a potential competitor.” These suggest Meta pursued a “buy or bury” strategy to maintain its grip on the market.Meta, however, is pushing back hard. Spokesperson Christopher Sgro called the FTC’s lawsuit “defies reality,” arguing that Instagram and WhatsApp thrive today because of Meta’s resources and innovation.