Zuckerberg Abandons Facebook’s Core Mission as FTC Lawsuit Threatens to Break Up Meta

Silicon Valley, USA — In a striking admission that signals a new era for social media, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has conceded that Facebook no longer prioritizes connecting friends and family — the very mission it was founded upon. The revelation comes as the tech giant faces a landmark antitrust lawsuit that could result in the forced divestment of its crown jewels: Instagram and WhatsApp.

During recent public remarks, Zuckerberg acknowledged that Meta’s platforms have transitioned into “discovery and entertainment” spaces, with just 20% of Facebook content and 10% of Instagram content now coming from users’ personal connections. The shift aligns with Meta’s increasing focus on AI-curated content and short-form videos in an attempt to compete with fast-growing rivals like TikTok and YouTube.

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But the timing of Zuckerberg’s remarks couldn’t be more precarious. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a high-profile trial accusing Meta of illegal monopolistic behavior. Central to the case are internal company emails in which Zuckerberg allegedly described Instagram as a “threat” to Facebook’s dominance and strategized its acquisition as a way to “neutralize” competition.

“The evidence is clear: Meta bought Instagram and WhatsApp to snuff out emerging competitors,” argued FTC attorneys in court filings. The trial, which began on April 14 under U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, could continue through July and may ultimately force Meta to break apart its sprawling empire.

Meta has countered that it faces stiff competition in a dynamic tech landscape, citing TikTok’s explosive rise as proof that the company does not hold a monopolistic grip on the industry. However, regulators argue that Meta’s acquisitions have had a chilling effect on innovation and consumer choice.

If the FTC wins the case, it could mark the most significant antitrust action against a tech company in decades — one that could reshape the global digital ecosystem and create ripple effects across Africa and the rest of the world, where Meta’s platforms dominate communication and commerce.

The visual breakdown shows the dramatic shift in content sources on Meta’s platforms. It highlights how Facebook and Instagram have moved away from personal connections toward AI-curated discovery content — a key issue in the ongoing FTC antitrust trial.

iNewsAfrica.com will continue to monitor the trial as it unfolds.

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