Mark Zuckerberg In Court: FTC Trial Could Force Meta To Sell Instagram, WhatsApp

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is facing one of the biggest legal showdowns in tech history. At the heart of the case: the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) explosive claim that Meta illegally monopolised the social media market by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. Zuckerberg took the stand in a Washington, D.C. courtroom as part of an eight-week antitrust trial that could force Meta to sell off both platforms. The FTC argues that Meta snapped up these rivals to crush competition and protect its dominance. If successful, it would be the most significant breakup of a Big Tech firm in modern history. Meta’s defence? That Instagram and WhatsApp improved user experiences and that today’s market is far more competitive—with TikTok, YouTube, and iMessage in the mix. Meta also reportedly offered the FTC a $1 billion settlement—far more than the $30 million originally demanded. But the FTC refused. Analysts warn a breakup could deal a huge blow to Meta, as Instagram alone drives nearly 50% of its ad revenue. The trial could reshape the future of tech—and how governments regulate it.