Slate Technology
What Next: TBD | The U.S. vs Meta
Apr 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Paresh Dave, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in technology, dives into the heart of the FTC's antitrust trial against Meta. He explores Facebook's controversial acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, questioning their impact on the social media landscape. The conversation also highlights how the trial could redefine competition in tech, as well as the complicated ties between Meta and political figures like Donald Trump. Tune in for insights into the future of tech monopolies and the legal challenges they face.
27:25
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The FTC's antitrust case against Meta questions the legality of its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp as potential monopolistic actions.
- A ruling against Meta could not only force a breakup but also reshape the landscape for future tech mergers and acquisitions.
Deep dives
The Acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp
Facebook's acquisition of Instagram in 2012 for approximately $1 billion and WhatsApp in 2014 for around $19 billion marked a significant strategic move to dominate the social media landscape. These purchases occurred during a time when Facebook was struggling to adapt to the mobile era and faced emerging competition from photo-sharing and messaging platforms. At the time, such acquisitions were commonplace in Silicon Valley, with companies like Google and Apple also acquiring smaller firms for growth. However, the legality of these transactions is now under scrutiny as the FTC alleges that they created an illegal monopoly that stifled competition.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
