The federal antitrust trial against Meta has begun, with significant scrutiny on the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Critics argue that these moves were anti-competitive, aiming to stifle competition within the market. The FTC's position challenges Meta's assertions that its platforms compete primarily with TikTok, YouTube, and others, rather than Instagram and WhatsApp. The case could set a precedent affecting future acquisitions and acquisitions in the tech industry, raising questions about the FTC's ability to regulate past mergers. Meta's defense questions the FTC's selective definition of competition, highlighting broader market dynamics that contradict the FTC's claims.