Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

After Weekslong Trial, Judge Weighs Whether Meta Must Divest Instagram and WhatsApp

With posttrial briefs due in four months, the outcome will depend on whether the court accepts the FTC’s narrow market definition.

Meta (formerly Facebook) corporate headquarters is seen in Menlo Park, California, on Nov. 9, 2022. (Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)
Mark Zuckerberg as Rick Uncle Pennybags lording his monopoly money over the world
Image

Overview

  • The seven-week FTC v. Meta trial wrapped up last week after testimony from 38 witnesses including CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
  • Both parties now have four months to submit posttrial briefs before Judge James Boasberg issues a ruling, which could arrive before the end of the year.
  • The FTC argues Meta illegally monopolizes personal social networking services by acquiring Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 and seeks their divestiture.
  • Meta contends its services compete broadly with platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and MeWe beyond traditional social networking.
  • The case’s fate rests on whether the court accepts the FTC’s narrow definition of personal social networking, a determination that could trigger a breakup of Meta.