Mark Zuckerberg Considered Spinning Off Instagram Amid Antitrust Pressure, Trial Reveals

April 16, 2025: In 2018, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered spinning off Instagram due to escalating antitrust concerns. This revelation emerged during the ongoing Federal Trade Commission (FTC) antitrust trial against Meta, where internal communications indicated Zuckerberg’s apprehension about potential regulatory actions targeting the company’s acquisitions.

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FTC Accuses Meta of Monopolistic Tactics

The FTC’s lawsuit, initiated in December 2020, alleges that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were strategic moves to eliminate competition and establish a monopoly in the personal social networking market. The agency contends that these actions have stifled innovation and harmed consumers.

Zuckerberg Defends Meta’s Intentions and Competition

During the trial, Zuckerberg defended the acquisitions, asserting they were intended to enhance the user experience and that platforms like TikTok and YouTube present significant competition. He also emphasized that the investments made into Instagram and WhatsApp post-acquisition contributed to their growth and success.

Potential Industry-Wide Implications Loom

The outcome of this trial could have profound implications for Meta and the broader tech industry, potentially leading to the divestiture of major platforms and influencing future regulatory approaches to tech mergers and acquisitions.