Overview

• Mark Zuckerberg testified for three days, denying claims that Meta acquired Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize competition, asserting their technological value instead.
• The FTC argues that Meta's acquisitions reflect a 'buy or bury' strategy, aiming to dominate the personal social networking market by stifling rivals.
• Zuckerberg highlighted TikTok as Meta's most significant competitive threat, stating its rise caused a dramatic slowdown in Meta's growth since 2018.
• Settlement talks between Meta and the FTC failed, with Zuckerberg offering up to $1 billion, far below the FTC's $18 billion demand and consent decree conditions.
• The trial's outcome could force Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, setting a precedent for antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.