The Journal.
Does Meta Have a Social Media Monopoly?
Apr 17, 2025
Dana Mattioli, a tech investigations reporter at WSJ, dives into Meta's legal battles as Mark Zuckerberg defends the company's alleged monopolistic practices in social media. The discussion reveals the high-stakes courtroom drama surrounding the FTC's accusations and the potential breakup of Meta’s powerhouse acquisitions—Instagram and WhatsApp. Mattioli also highlights Zuckerberg's controversial attempts to mend ties with Trump and the increasing bipartisan push for tech regulation, showcasing the turbulent intersection of politics and big tech.
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Quick takeaways
- The FTC accuses Meta of monopolistic practices regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate potential competition.
- Mark Zuckerberg's defense hinges on legitimate business practices while the political climate shapes the scrutiny of big tech companies.
Deep dives
Zuckerberg's Testimony in Antitrust Trial
Mark Zuckerberg recently testified in a federal antitrust trial where the FTC accuses Meta of monopolistic practices. The case revolves around Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, which the FTC claims were made to eliminate competition before these companies could grow significant market share. Zuckerberg defended the acquisitions by arguing that they were executed for legitimate business reasons and that both platforms flourished under Meta's ownership. Meta's stance is that the FTC's claims ignore the current landscape of technology and user engagement.
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