Crisis on Mark Zuckerberg! Threat of selling Instagram-WhatsApp, accused of eliminating competition in antitrust case in US

New Delhi, 15 April 2025: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's troubles seem to be increasing. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has started hearing in the antitrust case against Meta, in which the company is accused of establishing a monopoly in the social media market and eliminating competition. The FTC claims that Meta adopted a strategy to eliminate rivals by buying Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. If Meta loses this case, Zuckerberg may have to sell his two biggest platforms. Let us understand the facts, allegations, and potential impact of this case in detail. 

 

Start of antitrust case and allegations

The FTC has made serious allegations against Meta in this antitrust trial, which began on April 14, 2025 in Washington DC. FTC's top litigator Daniel Matheson told the court that Meta left no alternative options for users through Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. He claimed that Meta bought Instagram for $1 billion and WhatsApp for $22 billion so that no rival company could emerge. The FTC presented internal emails from 2012, in which Zuckerberg allegedly talked about buying Instagram to "neutralize the competitor". The FTC says these acquisitions helped Meta establish a monopoly in the social networking market, affecting the privacy of users and increasing the number of advertisements. If the court rules in favor of the FTC, Meta may have to separate or sell Instagram and WhatsApp, which will be a big setback for the company.

Defense of Zuckerberg and Meta

Mark Zuckerberg, while presenting his arguments in court, said that the FTC's case is based on old emails, which are not relevant in today's context. He argued that the acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp was approved by the FTC itself in 2012 and 2014, and there was no objection then. Zuckerberg said, "These acquisitions improved the user experience and helped Meta innovate." Meta also claimed that it still faces tough competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, so the allegation of monopoly is wrong.

Meta's lawyers argued in court that these deals did not harm consumers, but gave them free and better services. However, the FTC presented Zuckerberg's old statement, "It's better to buy than compete," in court, which is considered the strongest evidence in this case.

What's at stake for Meta?

This case is extremely important for Meta. Instagram and WhatsApp are the company's major sources of revenue. According to a report, in 2025, Instagram alone will account for more than 50% of Meta's US ad revenue. If Instagram and WhatsApp have to be sold, Meta's market cap, which is currently $1.3 trillion, could take a huge hit. Apart from this, the company's advertising model will also be affected due to the end of years of integration of these platforms.

With this, this case can become an example for the entire tech industry. Companies like Google and Amazon are also facing antitrust investigations, and Meta's decision can set the direction for them as well.

Social media and experts' opinion

#MetaAntitrust and #Zuckerberg are trending on social media. Some users believe that Meta has limited the choice of users by creating a monopoly, while others say that this case is just a political ploy to target tech companies. One post read, "If Meta has to sell Instagram, the world of social media will change."

Antitrust expert Rebecca Ho Allensworth of Vanderbilt Law School said, "The FTC will have to prove that if Meta had not made these acquisitions, the social media market would have been more competitive today. This will not be easy, but Zuckerberg's emails are strong evidence against him."

Trump administration's stance

This case may take a new turn under the Trump administration. According to some reports, Meta had donated $1 million to Trump's campaign, and Zuckerberg is trying to settle the matter through a settlement. However, FTC Chairperson Lina Khan has given priority to this case, due to which the possibility of a settlement seems less.

Conclusion

This antitrust case has become a major legal and financial crisis for Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. If the court rules in favor of the FTC, then selling Instagram and WhatsApp could prove costly for Meta. This trial will go on for the next six to eight weeks, in which Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg may also be questioned. This case will affect the future of not only Meta, but the entire tech industry. Will Zuckerberg be able to save his biggest platforms, or will a new chapter begin in the world of social media? Only time will tell.