Facebook added 'value' to Instagram, Zuckerberg says in antitrust trial

Core Viewpoint - Mark Zuckerberg is defending Meta against antitrust accusations regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that these purchases were aimed at enhancing user experience and growth rather than eliminating competition [3][4][10]. Group 1: Antitrust Trial Context - The trial is a significant event in the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech, particularly under the Biden administration, which has continued the enforcement of antitrust laws initiated during the Trump administration [4][7]. - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is presenting evidence that suggests Facebook's acquisitions were motivated by a desire to neutralize competition, as indicated by emails from Zuckerberg and former CFO [4][9]. Group 2: Acquisitions and Growth - Zuckerberg testified that the integration of Instagram into Facebook was successful, leading to increased value and user growth, and expressed confidence in acquiring other social apps to accelerate their growth [5][10]. - The FTC argues that Meta's acquisition of WhatsApp followed a similar pattern of preemptively buying potential competitors, with Zuckerberg fearing that WhatsApp could evolve into a social network [10]. Group 3: Market Definition and Competition - The U.S. government claims that Facebook and Instagram dominate the social media market, while Meta contends that they face competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which the government does not include in its market definition [12]. - The trial will hinge on how the FTC defines Meta's market and whether the acquisitions were lawful under U.S. law, with Meta's defense emphasizing that acquisitions aimed at improving and growing acquired firms are permissible [11][12].