Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. The CEO then testified in court on Monday as Meta faced allegations from the Federal Trade Commission of monopolistic practices. Zuckerberg’s testimony followed opening arguments from both Meta and the FTC in the US District Court of the District of Columbia. The focus of the trial is on defending Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp against claims that they contributed to an illegal social network monopoly. The outcome of the case could potentially lead to Meta being required to divest from these platforms, impacting its core digital advertising business and the broader social media landscape. With 3.3 billion daily users, Meta’s ad revenue topped $160 billion last year. The FTC argued that the acquisitions were aimed at stifling competition from emerging rivals. On the other hand, Meta’s legal team contended that the company operates in a competitive market and that the acquisitions were approved by regulators when they took place. During questioning, Zuckerberg discussed the evolution of Facebook’s focus from connecting friends and family to prioritizing third-party content. He acknowledged the shift towards more diverse user interactions but emphasized the continued importance of personal connections. Messaging was highlighted as integral to Facebook’s offerings, allowing users to share content with friends. The discussions during the trial may shape how the FTC defines the market in which Meta operates. Zuckerberg testified in a subdued manner, referencing past communications to illustrate Meta’s strategic evolution. He acknowledged concerns about Facebook’s standing compared to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This is an ongoing story that will be updated as new developments arise. For the latest news and updates, visit CNN.com.
