Mark Zuckerberg Defends Meta in Social Media Monopoly Trial
April 15, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand Monday in a high-profile antitrust trial that could reshape the future of social media in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over the social media landscape through aggressive acquisitions and anticompetitive practices.
Zuckerberg, calm and composed during several hours of testimony, firmly rejected claims that Meta stifled competition. “We compete vigorously in a dynamic and fast-evolving industry,” he stated. “People have more choices than ever to communicate and share online. Our success has come from innovation, not suppression.”
At the heart of the case are Meta’s past acquisitions of Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014), which federal regulators argue were aimed at eliminating emerging threats rather than fostering innovation. Prosecutors presented internal emails suggesting that Meta’s strategy was to “neutralize competitors” by buying them out before they could grow independently.
Zuckerberg, however, countered this interpretation, asserting that the acquisitions strengthened the platforms and provided users with better tools and enhanced experiences. “Instagram and WhatsApp might not have succeeded without Meta’s support. We gave them the infrastructure and investment they needed to thrive,” he said.
Legal experts say the case could set a major precedent. “This is one of the most significant antitrust trials since Microsoft in the '90s,” said Emily Carter, a professor of law at Georgetown University. “If the government wins, it could lead to a breakup of Meta’s platforms or major restrictions on future tech mergers.”
Throughout the proceedings, Zuckerberg emphasized Meta’s ongoing competition with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, noting that Gen Z users are increasingly shifting to alternatives. “We’re not the only game in town. Every day, we work to keep up with new trends and technologies.”
Outside the courthouse, public opinion remains divided. Some believe Meta’s dominance has led to fewer choices and privacy concerns, while others argue that its ecosystem has connected the world like never before.
The trial, expected to last several more weeks, could have sweeping implications not only for Meta but for the entire tech industry. With the spotlight firmly on Zuckerberg and his company, the outcome may determine how far regulators can go to rein in Big Tech’s influence in the digital age.