WASHINGTON, DC – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust trial, defending his company against allegations of anti-competitive behavior and monopoly practices.

During the trial, Zuckerberg was questioned about his communications regarding the acquisition of Instagram in 2012. He discussed the potential purchase of Instagram for around $500 million, noting the app’s popularity and the need for Facebook to stay competitive in the mobile world.

The FTC claims that Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram was aimed at eliminating competition and maintaining market dominance. However, Zuckerberg stated that the initial plans discussed in emails were not ultimately carried out, pointing to the significant growth and improvements made to Instagram over the years.

In his testimony, Zuckerberg addressed the evolution of Facebook’s platform, emphasizing that the focus has shifted from friend connections to a broader discovery engine. He highlighted the company’s competition in various areas beyond friend connections and news feeds.

The trial also delved into discussions about Facebook’s core value proposition centered around connecting with friends and family. Zuckerberg mentioned potential changes to the platform, including an idea to reset everyone’s friend connections.

Overall, the trial highlighted the complex dynamics of social media competition and the evolution of Facebook’s platform over the years. Zuckerberg’s testimony shed light on the company’s strategic decisions and its efforts to adapt to changing user preferences. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the tech industry and antitrust regulation moving forward.