Catenaa, Friday, April 25, 2025-Meta Platforms Inc. could be forced to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp as a landmark antitrust trial opened Monday, marking the most significant challenge yet to Big Tech under President Donald Trump’s Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC alleges Meta, formerly Facebook, acquired Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 to eliminate competition and solidify a monopoly in social networking. The trial, led by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, follows years of scrutiny over Meta’s dominance and could reshape the future of digital platforms.
Meta’s defense hinges on proving that the competitive landscape has drastically changed, with rivals like TikTok, YouTube and iMessage now commanding massive audiences.
The company says the FTC is relying on an outdated view of the market and argues the lawsuit sets a dangerous precedent by reopening approved mergers.
A breakup would slash Meta’s U.S. advertising revenue, half of which comes from Instagram alone, analysts say. WhatsApp also plays a crucial role in Meta’s pivot toward private messaging and international markets.
Meta maintains that the FTC must prove current monopoly power in a fragmented and evolving tech space. The Commission contends that Meta strategically crushed potential competitors, buying up innovators to preserve its dominance.
The trial could redefine antitrust enforcement in the digital age, as Google and Amazon face similar legal action.
A decision may have sweeping consequences for U.S. tech regulation and global digital competition.
