Mark Zuckerberg took the stand yesterday in a landmark antitrust trial that could potentially dismantle his company, Meta. The U.S. government has accused Meta of creating a monopoly by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp when they were small startups.
During the trial, federal lawyers presented Zuckerberg with emails and internal communications about his acquisition strategy. In response to a 2012 email discussing keeping Instagram going without adding more features, Zuckerberg said he viewed that as “relatively early thinking.” He added that, in practice, “we ended up investing a ton” after acquiring the platform.
Zuckerberg is expected to resume testimony today. The eight-week trial will feature competing versions of Meta’s 20-year growth story from the government and Meta. If the judge rules against Meta, Zuckerberg may be forced to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, potentially altering the pattern of Big Tech companies acquiring younger rivals in Silicon Valley.
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