Washington, D.C.: In a high-stakes courtroom showdown, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has firmly denied that his company acquired Instagram and WhatsApp with the intention of eliminating competition. His testimony marks a critical moment in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) landmark antitrust lawsuit against the social media giant formerly known as Facebook.
On his third and final day on the witness stand in a federal court in Washington, Zuckerberg faced pointed questions about the motivations behind the multi-billion-dollar acquisitions that shaped the modern digital landscape.
“No” — Zuckerberg’s Direct Denial
When asked directly by Meta attorney Mark Hansen whether Meta’s purchase of the two rival platforms was aimed at neutralizing competition, Zuckerberg responded with a simple but emphatic, “No.”
He described Instagram as a promising platform known for its “camera and photo sharing experience,” but not as a serious competitor to Facebook at the time of acquisition in 2012.
“I didn’t view it as a broad network really competitive with where we were,” Zuckerberg testified.
WhatsApp: “Technically Impressive, But Unambitious”
Discussing the 2014 acquisition of WhatsApp, Zuckerberg said he was drawn to its innovative design and high performance, but didn’t consider it a serious market threat. He stated that the founders lacked ambition when it came to the app’s global influence.
“I basically ended up pushing to add things,” he told the court, referring to Meta’s role in scaling WhatsApp to serve billions of users worldwide.
The FTC’s Argument: A Power Grab?
The Federal Trade Commission alleges that Meta strategically bought out Instagram and WhatsApp to stifle potential rivals and maintain its social networking monopoly. The agency seeks a dramatic remedy — forcing Meta to divest both platforms — which could redefine how tech mergers are evaluated moving forward.
To succeed, the FTC must convince the judge that Meta operates within a defined social networking market and that its acquisitions harmed consumer choice and innovation.
Billions of Users Later: A Stronger Meta
Zuckerberg emphasized that far from eliminating competition, Meta’s acquisitions actually enhanced the platforms and helped them scale globally. Instagram has become a cultural force in visual content and branding, while WhatsApp dominates messaging in regions like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe.
“We brought scale, resources, and talent,” Zuckerberg said, defending Meta’s role in the apps’ global expansion.
What’s Next in the Case?
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how tech giants are regulated. If the judge sides with the FTC, it may trigger unprecedented breakups of major platforms and significantly influence future mergers in Silicon Valley.
For now, Zuckerberg’s testimony concludes a crucial chapter in Meta’s ongoing battle with U.S. regulators. The world watches as the courts determine whether Meta’s empire will stay intact — or be split apart in the name of fair competition.
Category: Tech & Business, Legal News
Tags: Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram, WhatsApp, Antitrust Case
