Next week promises to be particularly turbulent for Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook and Meta, especially concerning the future of Instagram and WhatsApp. Following an extended legal battle as part of an antitrust lawsuit reported by Reuters, the future of this social media behemoth appears to be in jeopardy.
The initial complaint was filed five years ago during Donald Trump’s first term, but it is only on Monday, April 14, that further details about the charges facing Meta will emerge.
Meta Faces Monopoly Abuse Charges
The Washington court is set to determine whether Meta has abused its dominant position, especially after acquiring WhatsApp and Instagram in 2010. Mark Zuckerberg has previously confronted numerous allegations, particularly with Facebook, but this antitrust trial represents his most significant challenge to date. Some experts believe this could signal troubling implications for individual freedoms within the tech industry in the United States.
A Four-Year-Long Legal Battle
The lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dates back to 2020. This regulatory body, often seen as the American “competition watchdog”, argues that Facebook attempted to monopolize the social media market by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.
On the other hand, the American tech giant disagrees. At the time of acquisition, Instagram was a nascent app purchased for less than a billion dollars. Now, with over 2 billion users, Instagram has morphed into one of the largest social networks, potentially complicating matters for Meta.
Last-Minute Decision by the White House?
At the upcoming court decision next Monday, Mark Zuckerberg, former Vice-President Sheryl Sandberg, and other executives from competing companies are expected to testify.
Following the court’s decision, the American judiciary might require Meta to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, although nothing has been finalized yet. Mark Zuckerberg, deeply involved in this case, has made multiple visits to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Donald Trump, and has echoed statements supportive of moderation policies. He has also appointed several Republicans to strategic positions within Meta, aiming to curry favor with the 47th president of the United States.
With TikTok also at a critical juncture, a decision made last Saturday should have identified a potential buyer, leaving the American tech landscape more uncertain than ever.
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Samantha Klein is a seasoned tech journalist with a sharp focus on Apple and mobile ecosystems. With over a decade of experience, she brings insightful commentary and deep technical understanding to the fast-evolving world of consumer technology.