In a move that could redefine how 2.6 billion people use Facebook Messenger and Facebook’s acquired WhatsApp and Instagram apps, The New York Times reported on Jan. 25that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to integrate the platforms. The announcement turned up the volume on antitrust and privacy warnings directed at the social media giant.
“Facebook can be legitimately criticized for merging these apps after contrary assurances and perhaps for trying to dominate messaging,” MoginRubin Partner Dan Mogin said, “but perhaps more importantly, this is another example of the evolving convergence between antitrust and privacy that appears to be being driven by forces outside the US enforcement agencies. It’s a challenging issue for antitrust and may eventually lead to a sea change.”
“Facebook can be legitimately criticized for merging these apps after contrary assurances and perhaps for trying to dominate messaging,” MoginRubin Partner Dan Mogin said, “but perhaps more importantly, this is another example of the evolving convergence between antitrust and privacy that appears to be being driven by forces outside the US enforcement agencies. It’s a challenging issue for antitrust and may eventually lead to a sea change.”