Sheryl Sandberg, Meta’s former Chief Operating Officer, testified for a second day in a landmark antitrust trial examining the company’s dominance in social networking. The trial, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), focuses on Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, which regulators allege were anti-competitive. Sandberg defended Meta’s position, arguing that TikTok and other platforms provide significant competition, countering monopoly claims1.
FTC’s Allegations and Meta’s Defense
The FTC’s case hinges on internal communications, including a 2012 email where Mark Zuckerberg described Instagram as a “threat” and discussed “neutralizing” competitors2. The agency seeks to force Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing these acquisitions stifled competition. Meta counters that the deals were strategic, pointing to Instagram’s growth from 10 million to over 1 billion users post-acquisition. The company also emphasizes competition from TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat3.
Key Testimonies and Revelations
Zuckerberg’s testimony in April 2025 drew scrutiny for his evasive responses when questioned about Instagram’s acquisition motives. He acknowledged integrating Instagram’s features into Meta’s ecosystem but denied anti-competitive intent4. Sandberg, meanwhile, highlighted TikTok’s impact, noting it cost Meta billions in revenue. She also admitted Google+ was once a formidable rival but rejected claims of anti-competitive behavior5.
Legal and Industry Implications
The trial’s outcome could reshape tech mergers, with parallels to past antitrust cases like Microsoft’s in the 1990s. A ruling against Meta might deter large acquisitions of startups, affecting industry dynamics6. Additionally, political influences, such as Meta’s $25 million settlement with former President Trump over account suspensions, add complexity to the case7.
Relevance to Security Professionals
For security teams, the trial underscores the importance of monitoring regulatory shifts that could impact corporate strategies. Meta’s reliance on Instagram for ad revenue (now 50% of U.S. earnings) highlights the financial stakes of such cases8. Organizations should prepare for potential policy changes affecting mergers and data governance.
Conclusion
The Meta antitrust trial remains a pivotal case for tech regulation. Sandberg’s testimony and internal documents reveal the tension between growth and competition. The verdict could set precedents for future tech mergers and antitrust enforcement.
References
- “Meta Antitrust Trial: Zuckerberg Emails Reveal Instagram Acquisition Motives,” NPR, 2025.
- “Sandberg Defends Meta’s Ad Policies Amid Antitrust Scrutiny,” CNN, 2025.
- “FTC Rejected Meta’s $1B Settlement Offer Under Trump,” BBC, 2025.
- “Zuckerberg’s Courtroom Tactics Draw Criticism,” The Verge, 2025.
- “Meta Settles Trump Lawsuit Over Account Suspensions,” NPR, 2025.
- “Instagram’s Revenue Share in Meta’s U.S. Ads,” eMarketer, 2025.
