[UNITED STATES] According to several reports, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stepped up attempts to convince President Donald Trump and his administration to negotiate a deal with Meta Platforms, which is facing a crucial antitrust trial in less than two weeks. At a crucial point for the internet giant, the trial, scheduled for April 14, may compel Meta to sell off important acquisitions, such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
According to people with knowledge of the situation, Zuckerberg has visited the White House multiple times, including Wednesday morning. The goal of these talks is to settle the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) case against Meta before it goes to trial as part of a larger lobbying effort. The FTC alleges that Meta violated antitrust laws by acquiring startups like Instagram and WhatsApp to stifle competition and maintain its dominance in the social networking market.
Zuckerberg's outreach emphasizes Meta's high stakes. If the lawsuit advances and the FTC prevails, the corporation may be forced to unwind its acquisitions, fundamentally changing its business model. While settlement terms remain confidential, insiders indicate that conversations have centered on avoiding such harsh measures.
FTC’s Case Against Meta
The FTC initially filed its action in 2020, during Trump's first term, alleging that Meta (then Facebook) used its acquisitions to "buy or bury" potential competitors. The agency claims that these actions denied consumers access to other platforms and innovation in the social media landscape. Although a federal judge initially rejected the case in 2021, it was revived after the FTC provided further evidence.
The trial is anticipated to include testimony from Zuckerberg and other key executives, such as former COO Sheryl Sandberg and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom. Legal experts believe the case could create a precedent for how regulators handle monopolistic activity in the technology industry.
Trump Administration’s RoleAccording to administration insiders, President Trump has yet to determine whether he will support a settlement. While some White House officials apparently regard Meta's lobbying efforts as unduly aggressive, others recognize the potential economic consequences of a drawn-out court struggle for one of America's most recognized technology businesses.
Meta has worked to build its relationship with Trump in recent years. The corporation gave $1 million to his inaugural fund and hired Republican strategist Joel Kaplan as its head of worldwide public policy. However, tensions have periodically risen; in January, Meta settled a lawsuit Trump had brought regarding his suspension from Facebook following the January 6 Capitol rioting.
Broader Implications
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching ramifications for Meta and the technology industry as a whole. A forced divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp would disrupt Meta's operations while also signaling a more aggressive regulatory approach to Big Tech. Analysts believe that such a step may empower other governments, particularly in Europe, where Meta is under increased scrutiny under the EU's Digital Markets Act.
Meanwhile, others argue that settling with Meta might weaken efforts to hold internet behemoths accountable for anti-competitive behavior. Former FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz stated that, while it is unusual for firms to contact the White House in antitrust matters, it has happened previously. He highlighted that the FTC acts independently and should not be influenced by political concerns.
What’s Next?
As the April 14 trial date looms, all eyes will be on whether Zuckerberg’s lobbying efforts yield a last-minute resolution. For now, both sides appear prepared for a courtroom showdown that could redefine competition in the digital age.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone confirmed that the corporation "regularly engages with policymakers on issues affecting competitiveness and economic growth." The White House and the FTC declined to comment on ongoing conversations.
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