FTC Accuses Meta of Anti-competitive Practices

In a groundbreaking antitrust trial in Washington, a US Federal Trade Commission attorney revealed that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, resorted to acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp after unsuccessful attempts to develop competing services. This accusation marks a critical moment in the scrutiny of tech giants' market dominance.

The Core of FTC's Argument

Daniel Matheson, representing the FTC, argued that these acquisitions were not part of a strategic innovation plan but were instead desperate measures to eliminate potential threats and cement Meta's position in the market. According to Matheson, such actions have erected significant barriers to entry for competitors, severely limiting consumer choices.

Potential Consequences for Meta

The FTC is pushing for Meta to reverse these deals, which could lead to the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta's Chief Legal Officer, Jennifer Newstead, has countered these claims, labeling the lawsuit as a politically motivated attack rather than a legitimate legal challenge.