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Meta Prepares for Landmark Antitrust Trial as FTC Rejects Settlement Efforts

Mark Zuckerberg's lobbying to avoid a trial has been unsuccessful, with the FTC poised to challenge Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in court starting April 14.

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Mark Zuckerberg (C), seen here attending the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, is expected to take the stand as Meta goes to trial over antitrust claims
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Overview

  • The FTC accuses Meta of using its acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 to suppress competition and maintain market dominance.
  • Mark Zuckerberg has made multiple visits to the White House in recent weeks, seeking a settlement to avoid the trial, but the FTC remains committed to pursuing the case.
  • If the FTC prevails, Meta may be forced to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, which are critical to its advertising revenue and market structure.
  • The trial will scrutinize Meta's past acquisitions and could set a precedent for antitrust enforcement against tech giants in the current regulatory environment.
  • FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has stated he will enforce antitrust laws despite any potential executive influence, signaling the agency's commitment to the case.