If Meta loses a historic trial that recently began in the US, it may be compelled to sell WhatsApp and Instagram.

What is the social media behemoth accused of, and what can the legal action have for us all?

What charges does Meta face?

In accordance with Mark Zuckerberg’s purported 2008 command that “it is better to buy than compete,” the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charging Meta of purchasing Instagram and WhatsApp more than ten years ago in order to eliminate its competitors.

According to emails played out in court, Zuckerberg was concerned about Facebook’s performance and believed Instagram was expanding quickly when Facebook acquired the social media platform in 2012.

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The trial is being held in the US District Court for the District of Columbia building.

Facebook used to just acquire businesses for their skilled employees and then shut down the smaller business; Instagram was the first firm it acquired that was permitted to continue operating as a standalone app.

It also managed WhatsApp as a distinct app after purchasing it two years later. At the time, the FTC allowed both transactions.

Meta calls the action a “weak lawsuit” that “ignores reality” and refutes the FTC’s allegations, claiming that it has plenty of competition from other social media firms.

FTC lawyers Daniel Matheson and Krisha Cerilli. Pic: Reuters
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FTC attorneys Krisha Cerilli and Daniel Matheson.

“The evidence at trial will show what every 17-year-old in the world knows: Instagram competes with TikTok (and YouTube and X and many other apps),” the firm stated in a statement at the start of the trial.

As the first witness in court, Zuckerberg informed prosecutors that he was interested in purchasing Instagram not because of its social network but rather because of its camera technology.

However, Zuckerberg’s 2012 texts discussing the significance of “neutralizing” Instagram were read aloud by the FTC’s attorney.

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