Archive · 21 May 2025
WhatsApp Co-Founder Testifies in Meta Antitrust Case
Imagine a company, Meta, that owns big apps like Facebook and Instagram.
The government is suing them, saying they've become too big and unfair to other companies.
A key part is Meta buying WhatsApp, a messaging app.
The government thinks Meta wanted to stop WhatsApp from competing with Facebook.
The WhatsApp co-founder testified that before being bought, WhatsApp didn't want to be like Facebook.
The lawsuit is about whether Meta made the market less competitive by buying up its rivals.
Brian Acton testified that WhatsApp did not plan to develop social networking features before its acquisition by Facebook.
The FTC is alleging Meta created an illegal social networking monopoly.
Meta argues it faces competition from companies like TikTok and Apple.
Acton said WhatsApp could have used a subscription model instead of ads if independent.
Acton opposed Meta's business version of WhatsApp, fearing it would impact end-to-end encryption.
- Who
- Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, are key figures in the case.
- What
- WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton testified that WhatsApp had no plans to compete with Facebook before being acquired by Meta, supporting Meta's defense against antitrust allegations.
- When
- Testimony was given Tuesday, as part of the FTC's antitrust trial against Meta.
- Where
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).
- Why
- The FTC alleges Meta created a social networking monopoly through acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram.
FTC's Position
Meta's Position
WhatsApp's Intended Features
FTC's Position
The FTC alleges Meta viewed WhatsApp as a potential competitor in social networking.
Meta's Position
Meta argues that WhatsApp never intended to incorporate social networking features.
Market Competition
FTC's Position
The FTC believes Meta's acquisitions have created a monopoly.
Meta's Position
Meta contends that it faces significant competition in the tech market, and that the FTC is overlooking.
- Company Involved
- Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook), WhatsApp
- Key Individuals
- Brian Acton, Mark Zuckerberg
- Sale Price
- $19 billion (2014)
- Case
- FTC v. Meta Platforms Inc., 20-cv-03590