Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once proposed a radical idea to help Facebook regain cultural relevance—wiping users’ friend lists and encouraging them to rebuild their networks from scratch.
The suggestion, revealed in a 2022 email submitted as evidence in the FTC’s high-profile antitrust lawsuit against Meta, was described by Zuckerberg as a “potentially crazy” way to reignite user engagement.
The Federal Trade Commission is aiming to undo Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, accusing the company of stifling competition to form a social media monopoly. Meta, however, argues the digital landscape has changed dramatically and that it now faces intense competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and iMessage.
Zuckerberg’s proposed strategy sparked internal debate, with then-head of Facebook Tom Alison warning the move could disrupt essential functionality, particularly for Instagram. Though the idea was never implemented, it underscores Meta’s concern over Facebook’s declining influence.
The FTC’s case also cites a 2008 internal email in which Zuckerberg wrote, “It is better to buy than compete,” as evidence of anti-competitive intent.
Meta contends that the lawsuit, years after the acquisitions were approved, threatens innovation and could significantly impact the company, especially if it’s forced to separate from Instagram and WhatsApp.
