Trial Facebook founder considered separation from Instagram in 2018
The trial into the possible break-up of the Facebook group Meta has brought a surprising revelation: founder Mark Zuckerberg himself considered selling the photo platform Instagram in 2018.
16.04.2025, 01:29
SDA
In a confidential email cited in court, Zuckerberg referred to increasing pressure from competition authorities. It was possible that "in the next five to ten years" the company would be forced to part with Instagram and the WhatsApp chat service.
This is precisely what the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is trying to achieve in the lawsuit in Washington. Meanwhile, the company rejected the separation considerations at the time and opted for a deep integration of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta is now defending itself in court against a break-up. Regardless of the outcome of the trial in Washington, it is likely to be years before the matter is finally resolved: It can be assumed that the losing side will appeal.
On behalf of the US government, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is accusing Meta of buying WhatsApp and Instagram in order to illegally protect its own monopoly position. It is therefore demanding consequences, including the reversal of the takeovers.
Report: Meta offered payment of 450 million dollars
In recent months, Zuckerberg has conspicuously sought proximity to US President Donald Trump - who in principle would have the power to persuade the FTC to back down. According to US media reports, the Facebook founder also appealed directly to the President at a meeting.
The Wall Street Journal now reports that Meta initially offered the FTC a payment of 450 million dollars (395.8 million euros) in March to end the proceedings with a settlement. However, the authority demanded 30 billion dollars. In the conversation with FTC boss Andrew Ferguson, Zuckerberg sounded confident that Trump would take his side, according to sources close to the matter.
As the trial date approached, Meta increased its offer to almost one billion, the Wall Street Journal continued. However, Ferguson's minimum demand for a settlement was 18 billion dollars and new conditions for Meta.
FTC with many questions for Zuckerberg
As there was no agreement, Zuckerberg now had to face hours of questioning on the witness stand. He also confirmed the separation considerations from 2018 and said that Facebook had difficulties managing the various apps at the time.
On behalf of the US government, the FTC is accusing the meta-group of buying the WhatsApp chat service and the Instagram photo platform in order to illegally protect its own monopoly position. It is therefore demanding consequences, including the reversal of the takeovers.
