A new poll conducted by Forrester Research indicates that a majority of consumers agree with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). on its court case against Meta.
The “quick pulse check” survey of approximately 500 online adults across the U.S., UK, and Canada reveals that 54% believe Meta has a monopoly on the personal social networking market, while 27% remain neutral and 19% disagree.
The case marks the culmination of a nearly six-year agency investigation into whether the social media platform holds a monopoly on personal social networking.
The research also shows support for potential divestiture actions. According to Forrester, 43% of respondents agree that spinning off Instagram into a separate company would be beneficial, with 50% neutral and only 7% disagreeing. Similarly, 45% support WhatsApp becoming independent, with 50% neutral and 5% opposed.
Trust Remains a Challenge for Meta
Meta continues to face trust issues that predate its 2021 rebranding from Facebook. Forrester’s “February 2025 Consumer Pulse Survey” indicates that only about a third of online adults (35% U.S., 30% UK) trust Meta the same or more today than in 2024—even fewer express confidence in CEO Mark Zuckerberg (32% U.S., 28% UK).
Interoperability Benefits in Question
While Meta has emphasized interoperability as a benefit of its integrated platform, consumer sentiment suggests limited appreciation for this feature. The February survey found that just 31% of online adults agree they benefit from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp being interoperable under one company, while 43% disagree and 37% remain neutral.
Consumer Concerns Focus on Four Key Areas
Forrester’s analysis of open-ended responses revealed several recurring themes in consumer sentiment. Many respondents expressed concern about Meta’s outsized influence in social media. “No company should have all that power and user data,” one participant stated, highlighting worries about the concentration of power.
Data privacy emerged as another significant issue. As one respondent pointed out, “It’s not so easy to track behavior if on different platforms,” suggesting that separation could enhance privacy protections.
Some consumers see potential benefits in divestiture, particularly regarding innovation. “I think it allows it to grow and advance without the parent company choosing what it does,” one participant noted, believing that independence could foster creative development.
Competitive concerns also featured prominently in responses. One consumer observed that “Meta having a monopoly on three popular social media apps prevents competition and better oversight of these apps,” reflecting broader marketplace concerns that align with the FTC’s position.
Meta maintains that the FTC’s case is “weak” and “ignores reality,” arguing that platforms like Instagram compete directly with TikTok, YouTube, X, and other apps.
A new poll conducted by Forrester Research indicates that a majority of consumers agree with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). on its court case against Meta.
The “quick pulse check” survey of approximately 500 online adults across the U.S., UK, and Canada reveals that 54% believe Meta has a monopoly on the personal social networking market, while 27% remain neutral and 19% disagree.
The case marks the culmination of a nearly six-year agency investigation into whether the social media platform holds a monopoly on personal social networking.
The research also shows support for potential divestiture actions. According to Forrester, 43% of respondents agree that spinning off Instagram into a separate company would be beneficial, with 50% neutral and only 7% disagreeing. Similarly, 45% support WhatsApp becoming independent, with 50% neutral and 5% opposed.
Trust Remains a Challenge for Meta
Meta continues to face trust issues that predate its 2021 rebranding from Facebook. Forrester’s “February 2025 Consumer Pulse Survey” indicates that only about a third of online adults (35% U.S., 30% UK) trust Meta the same or more today than in 2024—even fewer express confidence in CEO Mark Zuckerberg (32% U.S., 28% UK).
Interoperability Benefits in Question
While Meta has emphasized interoperability as a benefit of its integrated platform, consumer sentiment suggests limited appreciation for this feature. The February survey found that just 31% of online adults agree they benefit from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp being interoperable under one company, while 43% disagree and 37% remain neutral.
Consumer Concerns Focus on Four Key Areas
Forrester’s analysis of open-ended responses revealed several recurring themes in consumer sentiment. Many respondents expressed concern about Meta’s outsized influence in social media. “No company should have all that power and user data,” one participant stated, highlighting worries about the concentration of power.
Data privacy emerged as another significant issue. As one respondent pointed out, “It’s not so easy to track behavior if on different platforms,” suggesting that separation could enhance privacy protections.
Some consumers see potential benefits in divestiture, particularly regarding innovation. “I think it allows it to grow and advance without the parent company choosing what it does,” one participant noted, believing that independence could foster creative development.
Competitive concerns also featured prominently in responses. One consumer observed that “Meta having a monopoly on three popular social media apps prevents competition and better oversight of these apps,” reflecting broader marketplace concerns that align with the FTC’s position.
Meta maintains that the FTC’s case is “weak” and “ignores reality,” arguing that platforms like Instagram compete directly with TikTok, YouTube, X, and other apps.