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FTC v. Meta Trial: The Future of Instagram and WhatsApp Is at Stake

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Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for roughly $22 billion .

The FTC alleges that Meta acquired the two startups in an effort to suppress competition.

A victory for the government could deter big tech companies from acquiring startups in the future, cutting off a key source of innovation and investment returns for venture capitalists.

Trump fired two Democrats on the FTC last month , arguing the move was an unconstitutional exercise of presidential power.

In the past, Trump complained that Meta allegedly censored conservative viewpoints on social media.

In recent months , Zuckerberg has relaxed policies that Republicans criticized, and gotten personally involved in resolving a lawsuit Trump filed against the company.