Slate Technology What Next: TBD | The U.S. vs Meta
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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.
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Meta's Strategic Acquisitions
- Facebook, now Meta, acquired Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 to maintain competitive edge in social media.
- These purchases aimed to secure dominance amid evolving mobile and social communication trends.
Potential Breakup Impact
- If Meta loses the trial, it could be forced to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, affecting over half its U.S. ad revenue.
- This antitrust case challenges Meta's creation of an alleged illegal social media monopoly.
FTC's Narrow Market Definition
- The FTC defines Facebook's market narrowly as personal social networking, excluding TikTok and YouTube as competitors.
- This narrow definition inflates Facebook's market share to over 80%, supporting monopoly claims.